A ROME PLAN FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN MIGRATION CRISIS. The case for take-back realism
A ROME PLAN FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN MIGRATION CRISIS. The case for take-back realism

Author(s): Author Not Specified
Subject(s): Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: ESI – European Stability Initiative
Keywords: right of asylum; refugees; EU and refugees; border management;
Summary/Abstract: The European Union urgently needs a credible policy on asylum and border management. It must combine effective control of external land and sea borders with respect for existing international and EU refugee law. || Such a policy must deter irregular migration of those who do not qualify for protection. It must treat asylum seekers respectfully. It must respect the fundamental norm of the rule of rescue - not to push individuals in need into danger - which is at the heart of the UN Refugee Convention (non-refoulement). Such a plan can replace the current Dublin procedures whose reform is currently being debated in the EU with no prospect for a successful outcome. What the EU needs instead is a Rome Plan for the Mediterranean: effective, humane, and politically viable. || This plan must also recognise a basic truth that holds for Italy and for other EU countries: EU countries are bad at returning third country nationals who do not qualify for protection. This is largely because most poor countries in the world have little interest in taking back their own citizens, who often send remittances. There is an urgent need for return realism.

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