Sweden transfers migrants to Italy; Spain and France take different approaches

Sweden has begun transferring asylum seekers to Italy, aligning with new European migration rules and following the lead of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This move is part of the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, which seeks to establish a more coordinated approach to managing asylum claims and migrant flows across member states.

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The Swedish government is 'favorable' to managing the issue of so-called Dublinants through the European solidarity mechanisms provided for in the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and recent European Union regulations, 'rather than resorting to isolated bilateral expulsions or restrictions'.

Italy has become a focal point for these transfers, with Sweden joining other nations in sending asylum seekers back to the country where they first arrived. According to Victoria Holmqvist, spokesperson for the Swedish Minister for Migration, these transfers are in line with the Dublin regulation and the new pact. "It is important that our cooperation functions well so that migration to Europe is well managed and controlled," Holmqvist stated, emphasizing that the new pact facilitates smoother transfers.

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Sweden has carried out transfers of migrants to Italy and we intend to continue to do so, in accordance with the provisions of the Pact on Immigration and Asylum.

Finland also confirmed its intention to resume transfers to Italy, citing the entry into force of the EU's Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR). The Finnish Interior Ministry's press office stressed the importance of applying the rules on responsibility for examining asylum applications and ensuring all member states fulfill their obligations under the pact. "From our side, we remain committed to ensuring the effective implementation of responsibility procedures," the statement added.

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It is important that our cooperation functions well so that migration to Europe is well managed and controlled.

In contrast, France has adopted a different stance. Sources in Paris indicated that France's political decision is not to join countries sending migrants back to Italy through bilateral measures. Instead, France favors managing the issue through European solidarity mechanisms outlined in the new pact. While not announcing any immediate bilateral returns, France shares Italy's desire to reduce departure flows from Tunisia and Libya, indicating a willingness to cooperate on broader migration management strategies.

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From our side, we remain committed to ensuring the effective implementation of responsibility procedures.