The European Commission has announced further details about its plan to establish controlled disembarkation centres for migrants.
First proposed at the June assembly of the European Council, the Commission’s plan to establish controlled disembarkation centres forms part of a raft of measures designed to strengthen Europe’s response to irregular migration without infringing on the human rights of those seeking asylum in the bloc.
The plan will also involve the creation of regional disembarkation arrangements with third countries, and the Commission expects that the two strategies will work in concert to ensure shared regional responsibility in responding to complex migration challenges.
How would controlled centres for disembarkation work?
The EU will establish controlled disembarkation centres within its orders in order to improve the processing of migrants, including more quickly identifying those seeking asylum and in need of international protection, and those with no right to remain in the EU. This would also accelerate the processes of returns.
Centres would be managed by Member States, with full support from the EU and relevant agencies, including financial support to cover infrastructure and operational costs, as well as financial incentives for states agreeing to accept transfers from states that are over capacity. The advantage of such a system is that it reduces the risk of secondary movements, strengthening Europe’s capacity to respond to migration challenges.
Why does the EU need disembarkation agreements?
Regional disembarkation agreements, meanwhile, would allow for a joint response between the EU and third countries, by establishing clear rules around rescuing migrants at sea, and ensuring that work to address migratory challenges takes into account the specific political, security and socio-economic situation in each partner country, as well as the details of each country’s existing relationship with Europe.
Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos welcomed efforts to strengthen the EU’s responses to irregular migration, particularly in light of recent challenges. He stated: “Now more than ever we need common, European solutions on migration. We are ready to support Member States and third countries in better cooperating on disembarkation of those rescued at sea. But for this to work immediately on the ground, we need to be united – not just now, but also in the long run. We need to work towards sustainable solutions.”
