EU toughens asylum rules

The European Union has enacted a sweeping reform of its asylum legislation, the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which came into effect on June 12, 2026. This overhaul aims to strengthen external border controls, with European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner promising greater oversight. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt hailed the changes as a "turning point in migration policy" for both Germany and Europe.

Dobrindt's "turning point" refers to enhanced border controls between EU member states and expedited procedures for asylum seekers at Germany's borders, including deportations without a full procedure. He claims these measures have already led to a decrease in asylum applications. The CEAS mandates preliminary checks for asylum seekers at EU external borders. Those from countries with low asylum recognition rates, such as Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Venezuela, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, will face accelerated border procedures and may be held in closed camps.

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The turning point in migration policy is having an effect in Germany and also at the European level. We are firmly determined to follow exactly this path also with our neighboring countries and partners.

According to Eurostat, these countries have recognition rates below 20%. Applicants whose claims are denied after a maximum of 12 weeks are slated for deportation. The EU plans to expand its list of "safe" countries of origin, allowing for the swift rejection of applications deemed "manifestly unfounded."

However, migration expert Gerald Knaus, founder of the European Stability Initiative (ESI), remains skeptical. "These so-called border procedures could have been carried out years ago," Knaus stated. "Now they are mandatory, and in the best case, in twelve weeks, it might be known that a person from Bangladesh in Italy or a person from Pakistan in Greece does not need protection. Yes, and then there is no answer about what happens next." Knaus highlighted the persistent difficulty of deportations to countries of origin, suggesting rejected asylum seekers might simply move to other EU nations, burdening frontline states like Italy, Greece, and Spain.

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These so-called border procedures could have been carried out years ago. Now they are mandatory, and in the best case, in twelve weeks, it might be known that a person from Bangladesh in Italy or a person from Pakistan in Greece does not need protection. Yes, and then there is no answer about what happens next.