The pressure for tougher measures is increasing, despite the EU adopting a new asylum policy as recently as this spring. And despite the fact that irregular migrants who have arrived have decreased by 42 percent so far this year.
It is obvious that it can increase again at any time, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M).
The discussion mainly concerns how migrants with rejected asylum applications should be sent back.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently wrote a letter to EU leaders where she opened up to reviewing EU's return directive. For example, so that a person who has been rejected in one member state cannot travel to another and apply again.
"Try almost all ways"
The previously rejected idea of transit centers outside the EU will also be tested again.
We must now try almost all ways that exist, says Kristersson.
According to him, it is unsustainable that so many who are rejected for asylum still stay in the EU.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen points out that she has been driving for asylum centers outside the EU for several years, but without getting a hearing.
It was like shouting in an empty handball hall in Jutland, she says.
Syria cooperation?
The discussions also concern the EU trying to cooperate with more countries to stop irregular migration. Today, such cooperation exists with, among others, Tunisia and Turkey.
Italy has signed an agreement with Albania and has started sending the first migrants to centers outside Tirana, where they will await asylum decisions.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also opened up to sending refugees back to Syria – despite the 13-year civil war. But initiating talks with dictator Bashar al-Assad is still something very few advocate for.
Germany and Spain are skeptical of centers outside the EU. The German debate has largely concerned individuals who would have been deported, but stayed and committed Islamist violent acts.
Criminals must be sent back, says Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz according to Politico.
Provide protection to those who need it, but not everyone can come.
