EU Return Policy Faces Shift as Right-Wing Parties Gain Influence

Brussels – A planned overhaul of the European Union’s asylum and migration policies is facing a significant shift as a coalition of right-wing and far-right parties gains influence in negotiations. Dutch Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Malik Azmani, initially tasked with leading negotiations on a stricter return policy, has seen his proposals challenged by a newly formed alliance of conservative and nationalist groups.

A Shift in Power Dynamics

The Christian Democrats, along with the New Conservative Reformation (NSC) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) from the Netherlands, are aligning with far-right parties to push for a more stringent approach to asylum seeker returns. On Monday evening, a majority of right-wing to radical right parties supported an alternative proposal that, in some areas, exceeds the strictness of Azmani’s initial plans. A vote by the full parliament is expected this week, though it is largely considered a formality after Monday’s outcome.

This development has sparked dismay among social democrats and liberals, who are particularly critical of the Christian Democrats’ increasing reliance on support from factions like the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the Patriots and Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN).

The Return Policy Debate

The European Commission introduced new return legislation last year aimed at simplifying the deportation process for asylum seekers whose applications are denied, or housing them in detention centers in third countries. These so-called “return hubs” are intended to address situations where countries of origin refuse to accept returning citizens. However, NGOs have voiced concerns that these hubs could facilitate human rights violations by outsourcing asylum procedures. In December, the 27 national governments within the EU broadly supported the Commission’s plans. [DutchNews.nl]

Traditionally, the Christian Democrats in the European Parliament have collaborated with Social Democrats and Liberals, often with the support of the Greens. However, the 2024 elections have altered the balance of power, allowing the radical right bloc to form a majority alongside the Christian Democrats.

Azmani’s Efforts and the New Proposal

MEP Malik Azmani, a member of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) in the Netherlands, had sought a compromise that would allow for strict measures, including the use of return hubs, while also addressing the concerns of progressive and liberal groups. [European Parliament] He emphasized the need to build consensus, recognizing that regulations would be ineffective without broad support.

However, the adopted proposal diverges from Azmani’s initial approach. It designates return hubs as a more readily available option, rather than a last resort, and allows for the detention of children in these hubs.

CDA member Jeroen Lenaers defended his party’s actions, stating that they would not tailor their proposals to secure votes from specific groups. Marieke Ehlers of the PVV countered that her party actively participated in the discussions and that the final proposal reflects amendments from the ECR, the Patriots, and the ESN.

Concerns Over Collaboration

Tineke Strik, a member of the GroenLinks-PvdA party and a professor of migration law, expressed concern over the close collaboration between the Christian Democrats and the far-right factions. She highlighted the contrast with the Christian Democrats’ stance in Germany, where they refuse to cooperate with the AfD.

Following the plenary vote, parliament will initiate negotiations with the European Commission and EU member states to finalize the proposal. Azmani, as a member of the Renew group, is responsible for the European parliament’s returns policy. [Wikipedia] He previously called for a strict but humane EU policy to return refugees. [DutchNews.nl]