Van Bossuyt on constitutional court’s temporary suspension of certain crisis measures: “I stand 100% behind my policy”

Yesterday, the Constitutional Court announced that it has raised questions about several specific measures introduced by Asylum and Migration Minister Van Bossuyt concerning family reunification and migrant reception. The Court has therefore decided to seek clarification from the European Court of Justice to determine whether the national legislation aligns with European law.

“This is merely a procedural step, not an annulment,” Minister Van Bossuyt stated. “I am confident that the Court of Justice will reaffirm what it has already made clear: that our legislation is fully in line with its case law and existing European regulations.”

Only 2% of cases affected

Minister Van Bossuyt emphasized that the temporary suspension of one of the family reunification measures applies to only a very limited number of cases.

“It concerns beneficiaries of subsidiary protection only — that amounts to barely 2% of all files. For all other groups — the vast majority, 98% — the stricter family reunification rules remain fully in force. This includes the higher income threshold and the longer waiting period.”

Early implementation of European rules

On reception policy as well, Minister Van Bossuyt stressed that the measure has been suspended, not struck down.

“Yes, the measure allowing us to refuse reception to individuals who already have protection in another EU Member State has been temporarily suspended. However, it will automatically come back into force when the European Migration Pact takes effect in June. We had already implemented it ahead of time, based on existing case law from the European Court of Justice.”

“I stand 100% behind my policy and will continue my work without hesitation,” Minister Van Bossuyt concluded. “The migration pressure on our society is immense. The situation on the ground is serious. I don’t have a moment to lose — so I will press ahead.”