Europe hardens its approach

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

Now, faced with the prospect of a more fractured and probably more hardline post-election landscape, the EU has reached agreement on a package of sweeping new laws. These will see a hardening of the approach towards those claiming international protection, with faster processing of claims and swifter deportations of those who are unsuccessful. New measures were also agreed to share the burden which currently falls on the southern member states where most asylum seekers arrive, and for enhanced co-operation and information-sharing

Some of these changes are contentious and have been criticised by human rights advocates, as well as by left and green parties, who predict they will lead to more miscarriages of justice. Criticism has also come from parties on the anti-immigration right, which is expected to increase its parliamentary representation in the elections, and which demands an even harsher approach.

The measures were supported by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil representatives and opposed by Ireland’s other MEPs. Sinn Féin’s Chris MacManus felt it necessary to clarify that his party was against “open borders”. This non sequitur has become a party mantra recently, suggesting Sinn Féin may be feeling under pressure on its right flank over immigration.

Alongside the new policies...