Scholz speaks of new focus in asylum policy
At the meeting of the heads of state and government of European countries at the Blenheim Palace north of Oxford, the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously expressed his desire for renewed and deepened cooperation with European partner countries.
Scholz expressed openness to this in the context of fighting human smuggling. The fight against human smuggling criminality is "an important task that best succeeds in close cooperation of the states", said the Chancellor. Human smuggling networks work in part across state borders "and that's why it's only natural that we do the same". This topic will "take off again with the new British government, which is good", emphasized he.
Scholz stated that the goal was to "significantly" reduce irregular migration. "Great progress has already been made," he said, naming border controls, which he intends to "continue as far as possible".
Regarding the so-called Rwanda model of the previous British government, Scholz stated that this solution of returning irregularly entering people to a third country would still be tested. However, he noted that this model involves "very small numbers". Germany needs "the ambition and willingness to deal with the large numbers".
The EPG consists of the 27 EU countries and 20 third countries - from Albania to Ukraine. At its fourth meeting, several heads of state and government participated, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who had proposed the founding of the community after the Russian attack on Ukraine about two years ago. EU Council President Charles Michel and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell also participated.
- During the meeting, Olaf Scholz expressed his support for the Prime Minister of the UK, Keir Starmer, in their intent to strengthen cooperation with European partners, particularly focusing on combating human smuggling.
- At Oxford's Blenheim Palace, Scholz shared his view that fighting human smuggling criminals is most effective through close international cooperation, considering that these networks often operate beyond national borders.
- The German Chancellor highlighted that the recent British government, led by Keir Starmer, will contribute to the renewed focus on this issue, which is positively noted by Scholz.
- In reference to the 'Rwanda model,' Scholz acknowledged that it's worth considering as an approach to managing irregular migration, but he pointed out that Germany, with its substantially larger migrant population, needs a more comprehensive strategy.
- Scholz, while attending the European Policy Group meeting in Oxford, emphasized the need to intensify efforts to reduce irregular migration, praising the advancements made on border controls and expressing his aim to continue this progress.
