At the European Council we discuss Ukraine, the Middle East and migrants | EUROtoday

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It shall be a European summit, which is able to happen between Thursday 17 and Friday 18 October, primarily devoted to the worldwide state of affairs: the struggle in Ukraine, the battle within the Middle East and the migration entrance. On this final entrance there’s a want on the a part of member international locations to make sure that Europe is “more assertive”, within the phrases of 1 European diplomat. In issue on different fronts, France and Germany seem united on this one.

Recent months have proven a crackdown on immigration in quite a few European international locations. In Germany the federal authorities has reintroduced short-term controls at nationwide borders. In Finland, the parliament accredited a measure that successfully permits rejections on the border with Russia. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has introduced that he intends to droop the precise to asylum for migrants getting into the nation from Russia and Belarus.

In essence, the member international locations are of the opinion that entry to the exterior borders of the Union must be higher managed; assure free motion within the Schengen space; and picture revolutionary options with which to handle the arrival of migrants. Member international locations are wanting with curiosity but additionally warning on the latest Italian initiative to create a platform in Albania for migrants recovered at sea and whose standing will be assessed. Many marvel in regards to the sensible mechanisms. Others on the ethical worth.

At neighborhood degree, the Twenty-Seven ought to ask the European Commission for a brand new legislative proposal on the repatriation of irregular migrants with out the precise to asylum. The present legislative textual content is a directive that dates again to 2008. It was criticized by non-governmental organizations as being excessively harsh. Politicians, then again, thought of it too mushy. Over the years, makes an attempt at reform have by no means been profitable.

Coming to extra worldwide points, the Twenty-Seven will obtain Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky right here in Brussels who ought to current them along with his peace plan with which to deliver an finish to hostilities with Russia. The member international locations will affirm their assist for Kiev, even when Hungary continues to ask for a ceasefire, considerably complicating relations with different governments, as emerged final week from a heated debate in Parliament in Strasbourg.