Doubts are surfacing within Germany regarding the recently concluded EU Interior Ministers’ meeting and the negotiated outcomes spearheaded by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). While acknowledging the principle that countries responsible for asylum procedures should conduct those procedures within their borders – a point Dobrindt successfully championed in contentious discussions with Greece and Italy, securing agreements for those countries to accept asylum seekers previously registered in Germany – critics are questioning the fairness and long-term viability of the arrangement.
Katharina Dröge, parliamentary group leader for the Green Party, expressed deep reservations about the agreements, primarily focused on Germany’s anticipated avoidance of the EU’s solidarity mechanism. Germany, citing its prior experience with considerable migration flows, is expected to secure an exemption, allowing it to largely sidestep its obligations to accept a portion of asylum seekers distributed across the EU. Dröge strongly condemned this decision, highlighting the planned distribution of 21,000 individuals and voicing concerns that Dobrindt’s reluctance to fully participate undermines both German and broader European interests.
“If Germany consistently resists meaningful cooperation with other member states” Dröge warned, “it will inevitably lead to increased pressure at the EU’s external borders, fostering chaos and ultimately exacerbating irregular migration across Europe.
Beyond the issue of Germany’s exemption from the solidarity mechanism, Dröge sharply criticized the proposal to establish deportation and return centers in third countries. Citing past instances deemed “unlawful, costly and inhumane” she questioned the viability and ethics of the plan. Her assessment extends to the broader concept of conducting asylum procedures outside of the EU, coupled with ongoing stringent border controls within Germany.
“Overall” Dröge stated, “this is not a sensible asylum policy; on the contrary, it is a damaging one”. The Green Party leader’s comments signal a growing internal debate within Germany regarding the effectiveness and ethical boundaries of current migration policies. The question now is whether Dobrindt’s approach will ultimately prove to be a temporary fix or a long-term driver of instability within the European asylum system.
