Anneleen Van Bossuyt: “Europe tightens migration and asylum policies”

At today’s meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council — which brings together the justice and interior ministers of all EU member states — several agreements were reached to strengthen the EU’s migration and asylum policies. “These files are at the heart of what’s needed for a credible return policy — the Achilles’ heel of Europe’s current migration and asylum system,” said Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Belgium reduces its contribution to the EU solidarity mechanism

Belgium has seen an exceptionally high influx of secondary migration — asylum seekers who have already applied for or obtained status in another EU country. This has put considerable strain on the reception system and on society as a whole.

“It is high time for a fair distribution mechanism, which is what the European solidarity cycle aims to deliver,” Minister Van Bossuyt stated. Under this mechanism, member states can choose either to relocate asylum seekers from other countries or to contribute financially.

Belgium is opting for the financial route, the minister emphasised: “Our commitment cannot be endless. Through financial contributions, we can help other member states implement structural measures, which in turn will reduce migration flows into the EU. It’s a realistic and solidarity-based way to support European balance.”

Anneleen Van Bossuyt spent the past months negotiating to limit both the total EU solidarity fund — which supports Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain — and Belgium’s specific contribution. With success: Belgium’s share is now set to drop from €18.5 million to a maximum of €12.9 million. “But we’re continuing to push for further reductions,” she added. “We already sat down with the relevant Greek minister today to that end.”

The overall EU solidarity pool currently amounts to 21,000 relocations or €420 million.

Three key agreements will streamline returns

In addition to the solidarity cycle, three major files were also approved at the Justice and Home Affairs Council: the Return Directive, the list of safe countries of origin, and the expanded definition of safe third countries.

Anneleen Van Bossuyt stressed the significance of these measures: “An effective return policy is essential to regain control over the migration system. Return hubs can play a crucial role in this.

We also urgently need a single European list of safe countries of origin, so that member states stop working with conflicting criteria. That will strengthen trust in the system and bring greater clarity to the procedures.

Finally, expanding the concept of safe third countries is vital. Europe must stop being a market where people can shop around for the best protection. Anyone arriving in Europe via a safe country should be returned there — even if it’s not their country of origin.”