European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has sounded the alarm on the European Union’s struggling migration policies, spotlighting a mere 20% deportation rate for rejected asylum seekers. Speaking at the European People’s Party (EPP) congress in Valencia, Spain, on April 30, 2025, von der Leyen declared, “It cannot be that only 20 percent of those whose asylum applications are rejected actually leave Europe.” Her remarks signal a tougher EU stance on illegal migration, amid a 30% drop in irregular border crossings and growing far-right influence. The comments, reported by AFP, reflect mounting pressure to address public discontent and systemic challenges in the bloc’s migration framework.
A Decline in Illegal Migration
Von der Leyen highlighted a significant reduction in illegal border crossings, down 30% since the start of 2025, attributing this to strengthened cooperation with southern neighbors like Tunisia and ongoing talks with Morocco. The Guardian noted that these deals aim to curb arrivals, though human rights groups criticize them for overlooking abuses in countries like Libya. Euronews reported similar sentiments from von der Leyen, emphasizing the need for higher deportation rates to maintain public trust.
[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/16/irregular-migrant-crossings-into-europe-fall-30-in-first-quarter-of-2025)
Challenges in Deportation
The EU’s deportation rate remains stubbornly low, with only one in five rejected asylum seekers leaving the bloc, according to von der Leyen. DW reported that third countries often refuse to accept deportees, using them as leverage for better EU trade or aid deals. In other cases, migrants arrive without identification, complicating repatriation. For instance, Germany’s policy against deporting Afghans, citing humanitarian concerns, has drawn scrutiny after violent crimes by individuals with deportation orders, fueling far-right narratives.
[](https://www.dw.com/en/eu-plans-to-deport-more-migrants-create-return-hubs/a-71893769)The European Commission’s response includes the Common European System for Returns, proposed in March 2025, which introduces “return hubs” in non-EU countries like the Balkans or North Africa. Reuters noted that these hubs would hold rejected asylum seekers awaiting deportation, distinct from Italy’s stalled Albania deal for asylum processing. Critics, including Amnesty International, warn of “prolonged detention” and human rights violations.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-proposal-would-send-rejected-migrants-centres-outside-bloc-deportation-2025-03-11/)[](https://www.thejournal.ie/european-commission-proposal-to-streamline-migrant-deportations-condemned-as-new-low-for-the-eu-6646421-Mar2025/)The “Safe Countries” List and Migration Pact
In April 2025, the EU designated seven countries—Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia—as “safe countries of origin” to fast-track asylum denials and deportations. France 24 reported that this move, part of the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact agreed in 2023, aims to address the backlog of over 1 million asylum applications in 2024, of which only 42% were approved. The pact, set to fully take effect in June 2026, has drawn criticism for weakening asylum safeguards.
[](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250416-eu-lists-seven-safe-countries-means-facilitate-deportation-asylum-rules)[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/11/plan-to-deport-more-people-from-eu-allows-prolonged-detention-say-critics)Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged the EU to expand this list to streamline returns, reflecting broader member state frustrations. Reuters quoted Mitsotakis emphasizing the need for deportations to countries of origin.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-press-eu-over-returning-illegal-migrants-denied-asylum-says-pm-2025-03-20/)Political Shifts and Far-Right Gains
The migration crisis has reshaped Europe’s political landscape, boosting far-right parties like Germany’s AfD, which capitalized on public anger over crime and integration challenges. Politico noted that von der Leyen’s EPP has adopted tougher migration policies to counter populist surges, a strategy evident in the returns bill. Posts on X, such as from @NewsFokus, highlight von der Leyen’s dual focus on reducing illegal crossings and increasing deportations, reflecting a shift from earlier liberal policies.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-migration-crackdown-far-right-deportations/)However, the EU’s push for legal migration from countries like India, as noted in the original content, raises concerns about housing, social cohesion, and education, drawing parallels to challenges in Canada and the U.S. These policies, while aimed at economic growth, risk further polarizing public opinion.
A Balancing Act for the EU
Von der Leyen’s call for higher deportation rates underscores the EU’s struggle to balance humanitarian commitments with public demand for control. The Journal reported that the proposed system, while uniform across the 27-member bloc, faces legal and diplomatic hurdles, particularly with third countries. Rights groups argue that “return hubs” and fast-tracked deportations undermine asylum rights, potentially leading to inhumane conditions.
[](https://www.thejournal.ie/european-commission-proposal-to-streamline-migrant-deportations-condemned-as-new-low-for-the-eu-6646421-Mar2025/)As the EU navigates these challenges, von der Leyen’s leadership will be tested by the need to maintain unity among member states, address far-right pressures, and uphold democratic values. The coming years will determine whether these policies restore public trust or deepen divisions in a bloc still grappling with its post-2015 migration legacy.
Author: Planet-Today.com
Source: AFP