合格的团结

CIDOB Opinion 638 from September 2020 discusses several critical issues related to European migration and asylum policy. The document primarily addresses the lack of shared responsibility among member states regarding the management of migration flows, particularly within the Schengen area.

Responsibility and Solidarity:

• The proposal does not directly tackle the issue of responsibility, opting instead for a "flexible" solidarity approach with optional mandatory responsibility quotas based on each member state's capacity.
• This leads to a system of "sponsoring return" or "sponsoring reception," where aid can be provided in various forms, including one-off or structural assistance, and direct or indirect involvement.
• The concept of "qualified solidarity" introduces uncertainty and potential for increased bureaucracy and disagreements between EU partners, possibly increasing economic costs without ensuring efficiency.

Border Control and Human Rights:

• The pact aims to Europeanize border policies with quick procedures for screening and distinguishing economic migrants from asylum seekers, potentially compromising the human rights aspects of migration.
• It lacks clear guidelines on balancing border control with legal obligations like non-refoulement, respect for life, and the provision of material living conditions for asylum seekers.

Moria and the Role of Outsourcing:

• The proposal's urgency is partly driven by the Moria refugee camp fire, highlighting the need to prevent similar incidents.
• It suggests addressing refugee camp conditions through express border procedures and a more effective returns policy, outsourcing control to third countries.

Challenges and Debate:

• The proposal's main challenge is framed as regulating immigration as a structural part of Europe's history and future, contributing to growth, innovation, and social dynamism.
• However, the focus on border control overshadows the need to address humanitarian and security measures effectively, suggesting a potential misalignment with the core issues.

Overall Assessment:

• The European Commission's proposal is criticized for aiming to reform while maintaining the status quo, emphasizing border control over broader issues of responsibility, solidarity, and human rights.
• It is seen as a step forward in rhetoric but lacking in practical solutions, reinforcing divisions, mistrust, and suspicion within the EU, where individual interests often outweigh collective action.