Slovenia supports the discussion on the reform of the legal framework regarding the return of migrants

Copenhagen/Ljubljana – The Danish presidency of the EU Council will strive for member states to reach an agreement by the end of the year on the proposed regulation for the return of migrants who do not have the right to reside in the union to their countries of origin, Danish Minister for Immigration Kaare Dybvad said on Tuesday after an informal meeting of EU interior ministers in Copenhagen. Slovenian Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar agreed that the reform of the legal framework is an important step towards establishing a common system for the return of migrants.

According to Dybvad, Denmark will aim to achieve a so-called general approach in the EU Council by the end of the year regarding the proposal for a new European regulation presented in March, which aims to expedite the return of migrants who do not have the right to reside in the EU to their countries of origin. The responsible European Commissioner Magnus Brunner expressed support for the Danish presidency in seeking an agreement among member states on the starting point for negotiations on the regulation proposal with the European Parliament.

The Slovenian Ministry of the Interior believes that the legal framework must establish clear obligations for foreigners regarding cooperation with national authorities at all stages of the return process, as well as consequences in case of non-cooperation. “This would ensure a deterrent effect and send a unified message that illegal stay on EU territory will not be tolerated,” said Minister Poklukar.

Slovenia also supports discussions on new innovative ways of managing migration that complement the migration pact and other existing mechanisms. However, these new solutions must respect European law and the international obligations of member states in the field of fundamental rights, the ministry stated. (July 22)