EU's new asylum rules: fast-track border checks, return centres and mandatory solidarity
EU member states have adopted an asylum reform that introduces fast-track border procedures and return centres. Deutsche Welle's analysis says the reform also includes a mandatory solidarity mechanism for sharing the burden among member countries. The European Commission says the reform will reduce migration flows; civil society groups say legal safeguards have been weakened.
Deutsche Welle reports the reform was adopted with 21 of the 28 member states voting in favour; five voted against and the Netherlands abstained. The most contested rule is the article making a 12-week fast-track border procedure mandatory; applicants are held in border processing centres for that period.
Amnesty International told the BBC the reform "will result in thousands of people, including children, being placed in border detention". EU Commission officials said existing legal safeguards have been preserved.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament: "We finally have one European system that works at our borders." According to DW's Brussels correspondent, Turkey's ongoing readmission talks under the 2016 refugee deal could also be affected by the new regime. This is not legal advice.
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