Minister of the Interior Orpo and Commissioner Avramopoulos discussed European asylum situation and amendment of Dublin Regulation
Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos and Minister of the Interior Petteri Orpo met today to discuss the asylum situation in Europe, including illegal entries from Turkey into Greece, the amendment of the Dublin Regulation, and the situation at Finland's eastern border.
The irregular flow of migrants in the central Mediterranean and through the Western Balkans has reached a turning point. Migratory flows along the Western Balkans route have come to an end. Countries along this route have tightened their border controls. Nevertheless, new irregular migrants still arrive in Greece. It is also estimated that there are up to three million irregular migrants in Turkey.
Turkey has a key role to play in managing the situation. In fact, Turkish authorities have become actively involved in the fight against illegal migration. Turkey has accepted returns from Greece, increased surveillance at the sea border, and tightened visa requirements for Syrian and Iraqi citizens seeking to enter Turkey. However, this has not stopped the flow of migrants along the sea border between Turkey and Greece.
Commission to propose amendments to Dublin Regulation
Under the ’Dublin Regulation’, the first EU member states with which asylum seekers lodge an application for asylum, or through which they enter the EU territory, are responsible for examining the application. However, the Dublin procedure does not function at the moment, and the EU is seeking a solution to the situation.
The Commission is expected to issue its proposal for amending the Dublin Regulation this spring. In addition, it will publish a communication dealing with the Common European Asylum System, which also includes the Dublin procedure and the relocation of asylum seekers between EU member states.
Finland considers that the EU must have a clear and well-functioning system. This requires amending the legislation. People arriving in the member states must be identified and registered, and states responsible for examining asylum applications clearly determined. It is extremely important to successfully manage the situation at the external borders and the return of asylum seekers to third countries.
Mr Orpo also expressed his concern about the Commission’s proposals concerning the provision of emergency support. When reviewing the funding mechanisms, it must be ensured that the existing instruments, such as the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), are effective.
No asylum seekers at Finland’s eastern border
Mr Avramopoulos and Mr Orpo also discussed the situation at Finland’s eastern border. Finland shares the responsibility for managing the EU’s external border. Since 29 February, no asylum seekers have come to Finland crossing the eastern border.
Finnish politicians and public officials maintain ongoing negotiations on the situation at the border with their Russian colleagues. This has significantly contributed to the fact that Russian security authorities have enhanced their efforts to prevent and combat illegal migration. The aim of the negotiations is that the number of those applying for asylum at the eastern border would be as small as possible. Russia is a safe country where asylum seekers may be granted international protection.
In autumn 2015 and early 2016, a total of 1,757 asylum seekers arrived in Finland across the eastern border. Most of them come from Afghanistan (38%), India (15%), Syria, Bangladesh and Iraq. Many of them are not fleeing war, persecution or serious violations of human rights. They also include migrants who have resided in Russia for a long time.
Inquiries:
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 40 720 2216, [email protected]