Policy Update October 2019. EPIM Policy Update October 2019

Neidhardt, Alberto and Sundberg Diez, Olivia and Bamberg, Katharina and De Somer, Marie (2019) Policy Update October 2019. EPIM Policy Update October 2019. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

The Special Focus of this Policy Update discusses recent attempts to establish a predictable disembarkation and relocation mechanism for the Central Mediterranean. Following a series of incidents where search and rescue vessels were denied safe harbour, a change of government in Italy created a window of opportunity to secure access to ports and implement greater solidarity between member states. This policy update also looks into the composition of the new European Commission following Ursula von der Leyen’s election as President. The designated Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson was put in charge of developing the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, in close collaboration with Vice President (VP) Margaritis Schinas. Questions have been raised on the exact scope of proposed changes in migration and asylum policies. As outlined in the Political Developments section, political tensions between Turkey and EU member states are rising. At the same time, the number of arrivals to the Greek islands and Cyprus is increasing. This has put further pressure on reception centres and has worsened living conditions for asylum seekers in the region. In the meantime, violence and pushbacks in the Balkans and Eastern Europe also continue uninterrupted. Following an unexpected admission by the Croatian President that Croatian border police uses violence when carrying out pushbacks, civil society organisations have repeated calls for a comprehensive revision of border policies. In the Closer Look section, Safe Passage presents their efforts in reuniting unaccompanied children with their families based in the UK. The organisation urges the UK government to keep this vital route open, even in the case of no-deal Brexit.

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