US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only realistic path toward resolving the decades-long dispute.

The development comes as Spain continues to grapple with a massive migrant influx into its North African enclave of Ceuta, prompting emergency discussions across the European Union. The Western Sahara dispute remains one of North Africa’s most sensitive geopolitical issues, involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and international stakeholders.

Trump Reaffirms US Support for Morocco’s Western Sahara Claim | Spain Faces Migrant Crisis

The new Dutch government, which is led by nationalist Geert Wilders' PVV party, intends to opt out of the European Union migration rules.

This move by the incoming government will very likely provoke a conflict between Amsterdam and Brussels even before they take office.

Wilders, who emerged victorious in the elections that were conducted nearly six months ago, on Wednesday agreed to a deal to form a coalition with three right-wing partners.&nbsp;

He previously announced his decision to back out of the PM race, however, has not yet revealed his choice for the prime minister.

The four-party coalition published its plan on Thursday which stated that the government would aim for the "strictest-ever asylum regime" with tougher border controls and stricter rules for the ones who arrive in the Netherlands seeking asylum.

"An opt-out clause for European asylum and migration policies will be submitted as soon as possible to the European Commission," the coalition says in its pact.

Wilders asserted that this would make the Netherlands a place that the asylum seekers are less attracted to, adding that "people in Africa and the Middle East will start thinking they might be better off elsewhere".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-3-killed-several-injured-after-fire-at-a-residential-building-in-dusseldorf-722136">Germany: 3 killed, several injured after fire at a residential building in Düsseldorf</a>

This would make the Netherlands the latest addition to the list of countries that have challenged the European Union's migration policy.

Earlier, Hungary and Poland's previous nationalist governments had announced a similar decision.

Reportedly, Brussels will probably oppose the move as the EU countries have already agreed on their migration agreement and usually the ones opting out of the pact are discussed during the negotiating phase.

"We have a new pact on migration and asylum, which has been voted upon and confirmed and therefore has to be applied," EU Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said at a press briefing in Brussels.

"This legislation will be applied and the commission will play its role in making sure it is."

The Dutch coalition parties said that the entry of foreign students to Dutch universities would become more stringent and that labour migration would also be restrained.

(With inputs from agencies)

The new Dutch government, which is led by nationalist Geert Wilders' PVV party, intends to opt out of the European Union migration rules. This move by the incoming government will very likely provoke a conflict between Amsterdam and Brussels even before they take office.

The new Dutch government, which is led by nationalist Geert Wilders' PVV party, intends to opt out of the European Union migration rules. This move by the incoming government will very likely provoke a conflict between Amsterdam and Brussels even before they take office. Wilders, who emerged victorious in the elections that were conducted nearly six months ago, on Wednesday agreed to a deal to form a coalition with three right-wing partners. He previously announced his decision to back out of the PM race, however, has not yet revealed his choice for the prime minister. The four-party coalition published its plan on Thursday which stated that the government would aim for the "strictest-ever asylum regime" with tougher border controls and stricter rules for the ones who arrive in the Netherlands seeking asylum. "An opt-out clause for European asylum and migration policies will be submitted as soon as possible to the European Commission," the coalition says in its pact. Wilders asserted that this would make the Netherlands a place that the asylum seekers are less attracted to, adding that "people in Africa and the Middle East will start thinking they might be better off elsewhere". Also read: Germany: 3 killed, several injured after fire at a residential building in Düsseldorf This would make the Netherlands the latest addition to the list of countries that have challenged the European Union's migration policy. Earlier, Hungary and Poland's previous nationalist governments had announced a similar decision. Reportedly, Brussels will probably oppose the move as the EU countries have already agreed on their migration agreement and usually the ones opting out of the pact are discussed during the negotiating phase. "We have a new pact on migration and asylum, which has been voted upon and confirmed and therefore has to be applied," EU Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said at a press briefing in Brussels. "This legislation will be applied and the commission will play its role in making sure it is." The Dutch coalition parties said that the entry of foreign students to Dutch universities would become more stringent and that labour migration would also be restrained. (With inputs from agencies)

Incoming Dutch government intends to opt out of EU migration rules

The European Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 10) adopted the contentious reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action after nearly a decade of deadlock.&nbsp;

<h2>About EU’s historic pact</h2>

“History made,” said Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a post on X after the passage of all 10 parts of the European Union Asylum and Migration Pact.&nbsp;

The adoption of the new rules comes after nearly a decade of negotiations between member states and has been in the works since 2015.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;EU lawmakers vote on migration system

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-lawmakers-vote-on-migration-system-new-laws-to-close-all-loopholes-eu-minister-709920/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the European Commission’s website, the pact is based on four main pillars: secure external borders; fast and efficient procedures; an effective system of solidarity and responsibility; and embedding migration in international partnerships.&nbsp;

In line with the new rules, the existing database will be turned into a “a fully-fledged asylum and migration database,” which will not only count applications but also applicants, said the EU.&nbsp;

It would also implement controversial measures like collecting details including facial images, identity data, and copies of identity/travel documents from children as young as six, and people might also get detained during screening.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-target-four-vessels-including-alleged-us-warship-in-gulf-of-aden-709948">Houthis target four vessels, including US warship, in Gulf of Aden</a>

Countries would also be allowed to deport those who cannot provide proof that they require protection. However, they will be provided with support for “reintegration into their home countries,” said the EU Commission.&nbsp;

The package, as per the EU officials, also includes measures to protect asylum seekers from abuse and urges countries to ensure adequate living conditions for them, while strengthening safeguards and guarantees and improving integration processes.&nbsp;

In line with the new rules, asylum seekers must apply for international protection in the EU country they first arrive in and stay there until their application is being considered. “The new framework ensures that EU countries will receive the solidarity needed,” says the Commission.&nbsp;

The pact would also embed “migration in international partnerships to prevent irregular departures and loss of life, fight migrant smuggling, reinforce cooperation on readmission and promote legal pathways,” said the EU.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Vote no!’</h2>

The passage of the pact was not without its opposition as the proceedings were briefly interrupted by a small but loud group of protesters who wore shirts marked “this pact kills” and shouted “vote no!” reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-elon-musks-starlink-terminals-helping-russia-in-war-against-ukraine-709914">Are Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals helping Russia in war against Ukraine?</a>

The 27 nations of the bloc must now endorse the reform package before it can take effect. The pact has been criticised by anti-immigration, eurosceptic and right-wing parties who say that it is not stringent enough.&nbsp;

On the other hand, many leftists and rights activists have lambasted the pact as a major blow to human rights. The activists have said that the pact would allow for large-scale internment, including of children, and even allow member states to opt out of hosting new arrivals.&nbsp;

Rights groups have also criticised the EU for asking foreign states to handle migrants without what they say would be sufficient rights safeguards.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The European Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 10) adopted the contentious reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action after nearly a decade of deadlock.

The European Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 10) adopted the contentious reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action after nearly a decade of deadlock. About EU’s historic pact “History made,” said Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a post on X after the passage of all 10 parts of the European Union Asylum and Migration Pact. The adoption of the new rules comes after nearly a decade of negotiations between member states and has been in the works since 2015. WATCH | EU lawmakers vote on migration system According to the European Commission’s website, the pact is based on four main pillars: secure external borders; fast and efficient procedures; an effective system of solidarity and responsibility; and embedding migration in international partnerships. In line with the new rules, the existing database will be turned into a “a fully-fledged asylum and migration database,” which will not only count applications but also applicants, said the EU. It would also implement controversial measures like collecting details including facial images, identity data, and copies of identity/travel documents from children as young as six, and people might also get detained during screening. Also Read | Houthis target four vessels, including US warship, in Gulf of Aden Countries would also be allowed to deport those who cannot provide proof that they require protection. However, they will be provided with support for “reintegration into their home countries,” said the EU Commission. The package, as per the EU officials, also includes measures to protect asylum seekers from abuse and urges countries to ensure adequate living conditions for them, while strengthening safeguards and guarantees and improving integration processes. In line with the new rules, asylum seekers must apply for international protection in the EU country they first arrive in and stay there until their application is being considered. “The new framework ensures that EU countries will receive the solidarity needed,” says the Commission. The pact would also embed “migration in international partnerships to prevent irregular departures and loss of life, fight migrant smuggling, reinforce cooperation on readmission and promote legal pathways,” said the EU. ‘Vote no!’ The passage of the pact was not without its opposition as the proceedings were briefly interrupted by a small but loud group of protesters who wore shirts marked “this pact kills” and shouted “vote no!” reported the Associated Press. Also Read | Are Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals helping Russia in war against Ukraine? The 27 nations of the bloc must now endorse the reform package before it can take effect. The pact has been criticised by anti-immigration, eurosceptic and right-wing parties who say that it is not stringent enough. On the other hand, many leftists and rights activists have lambasted the pact as a major blow to human rights. The activists have said that the pact would allow for large-scale internment, including of children, and even allow member states to opt out of hosting new arrivals. Rights groups have also criticised the EU for asking foreign states to handle migrants without what they say would be sufficient rights safeguards. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union votes in favour of migration rules overhaul after nearly a decade of deadlock

By David Kipp and Melanie Muller

Issues of migration and forced displacement have dominated public debate in EU member states for the third consecutive year. The feeling of having lost control over immigration weighs heavily on them and has led to somewhat distorted perceptions of the issue of migration to Europe.

Against this backdrop, European policy has so far focused primarily on curbing irregular migration. This narrow focus prevents urgent migration and integration policy challenges from being addressed as well as the reform of the Common European Asylum System.&nbsp;

In order to deal straightforwardly with these challenges and develop strategies, four realities must be accepted.

First, the number of irregular arrivals in the European Union this year is expected to remain below 150,000, the same level as in the years before the so-called “refugee crisis.” Nevertheless, the EU continues to operate in crisis mode rather than addressing the issue of sustainable migration management.

Second, migration is a fact that can never be completely prevented. Migration policy arrangements with Turkey and Libya have contributed to a considerable reduction in the number of arrivals in Italy and Greece.&nbsp;

The example of Spain, however, shows that such arrangements are unlikely to be successful in the long term. Despite its longstanding cooperation with Morocco, Spain recorded double the arrivals this year compared to last.

A third fact is that a policy primarily aimed at containment has considerable side-effects. For example, the expansion of border controls promoted by the EU and the criminalisation of migration that was previously regarded as legal are shifting migration toward much more dangerous routes, such as in Niger.&nbsp;

Smuggler networks from other countries have assumed partial control of the transport.

In addition, the risk of drowning in the Mediterranean Sea during attempted crossings has increased. Out of every 1,000 attempts, four were fatal in 2014, increasing to 24 in 2018. The most dangerous is the central Mediterranean route, where the capacity for sea rescue has been reduced following pressure from the Italian government.

Thus far, the EU has outsourced its responsibility to the Libyan coastguard, which is picking up more and more migrants in the Mediterranean and bringing them back into the country. The number of people who have to remain in overcrowded detention centers under inhumane conditions has increased enormously as a result. The humanitarian plight of these people is therefore aggravated by EU policies.

Maritime rescue must be treated as a common European task and should be given appropriate significance in an expanded mandate for the European Border and Coast Guard, Frontex. However, the countries concerned on the European Union’s external border will only conceivably give their necessary consent if the member states agree on a common asylum procedure and a distribution mechanism for those entitled to protection.

Such an agreement is currently not in sight. Member states have agreed on actions outside the EU, such as the EU Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), which was set up at a meeting of European and African leaders in Valletta in 2015 and has become the main instrument of EU external migration policy. The fund finances the development of border protection capacities in Libya and Niger, but also development policy projects. The latter are intended, for example, to compensate for the financial losses caused by the disappearance of the informal migration economy in Niger.

Powerful EU member states now demand that the fund should primarily concentrate on migration and border management and security cooperation with certain regions. This reduces funds for long-term development policy projects, for example, to support the local integration of refugees and internally displaced persons in the Horn of Africa so as to decrease the likelihood of further migration (known as secondary migration).

Migration mainly within Africa

The preoccupation with curbing migration is heightened by voices that fuel fears of an African “invasion” of Europe. This fear has no empirical basis.

The fourth fact that should be taken into account in the debate on EU migration policy is that the majority of migration movements take place within Africa. According to French demographer François Héran, this will continue to be the case. He reasons that the greatest population increases are to be expected in sub-Saharan Africa whose nationals emigrate relatively rarely compared to other regions. According to his prognosis, their share of the total population of OECD countries will increase from 0.4 per cent to only 2.4 per cent by 2050.

(David Kipp is a policy analyst and Melanie Müller is a research fellow)

(This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/eu-migration-policy-european-union-europe-news-headlines-today-23009/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By David Kipp and Melanie Muller Issues of migration and forced displacement have dominated public debate in EU member states for the third consecutive year. The feeling of having lost control over immigration weighs heavily on them and has led to somewhat distorted perceptions of the issue of migration to Europe.

By David Kipp and Melanie Muller Issues of migration and forced displacement have dominated public debate in EU member states for the third consecutive year. The feeling of having lost control over immigration weighs heavily on them and has led to somewhat distorted perceptions of the issue of migration to Europe. Against this backdrop, European policy has so far focused primarily on curbing irregular migration. This narrow focus prevents urgent migration and integration policy challenges from being addressed as well as the reform of the Common European Asylum System. In order to deal straightforwardly with these challenges and develop strategies, four realities must be accepted. First, the number of irregular arrivals in the European Union this year is expected to remain below 150,000, the same level as in the years before the so-called “refugee crisis.” Nevertheless, the EU continues to operate in crisis mode rather than addressing the issue of sustainable migration management. Second, migration is a fact that can never be completely prevented. Migration policy arrangements with Turkey and Libya have contributed to a considerable reduction in the number of arrivals in Italy and Greece. The example of Spain, however, shows that such arrangements are unlikely to be successful in the long term. Despite its longstanding cooperation with Morocco, Spain recorded double the arrivals this year compared to last. A third fact is that a policy primarily aimed at containment has considerable side-effects. For example, the expansion of border controls promoted by the EU and the criminalisation of migration that was previously regarded as legal are shifting migration toward much more dangerous routes, such as in Niger. Smuggler networks from other countries have assumed partial control of the transport. In addition, the risk of drowning in the Mediterranean Sea during attempted crossings has increased. Out of every 1,000 attempts, four were fatal in 2014, increasing to 24 in 2018. The most dangerous is the central Mediterranean route, where the capacity for sea rescue has been reduced following pressure from the Italian government. Thus far, the EU has outsourced its responsibility to the Libyan coastguard, which is picking up more and more migrants in the Mediterranean and bringing them back into the country. The number of people who have to remain in overcrowded detention centers under inhumane conditions has increased enormously as a result. The humanitarian plight of these people is therefore aggravated by EU policies. Maritime rescue must be treated as a common European task and should be given appropriate significance in an expanded mandate for the European Border and Coast Guard, Frontex. However, the countries concerned on the European Union’s external border will only conceivably give their necessary consent if the member states agree on a common asylum procedure and a distribution mechanism for those entitled to protection. Such an agreement is currently not in sight. Member states have agreed on actions outside the EU, such as the EU Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), which was set up at a meeting of European and African leaders in Valletta in 2015 and has become the main instrument of EU external migration policy. The fund finances the development of border protection capacities in Libya and Niger, but also development policy projects. The latter are intended, for example, to compensate for the financial losses caused by the disappearance of the informal migration economy in Niger. Powerful EU member states now demand that the fund should primarily concentrate on migration and border management and security cooperation with certain regions. This reduces funds for long-term development policy projects, for example, to support the local integration of refugees and internally displaced persons in the Horn of Africa so as to decrease the likelihood of further migration (known as secondary migration). Migration mainly within Africa The preoccupation with curbing migration is heightened by voices that fuel fears of an African “invasion” of Europe. This fear has no empirical basis. The fourth fact that should be taken into account in the debate on EU migration policy is that the majority of migration movements take place within Africa. According to French demographer François Héran, this will continue to be the case. He reasons that the greatest population increases are to be expected in sub-Saharan Africa whose nationals emigrate relatively rarely compared to other regions. According to his prognosis, their share of the total population of OECD countries will increase from 0.4 per cent to only 2.4 per cent by 2050. (David Kipp is a policy analyst and Melanie Müller is a research fellow) (This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

EU Migration Policy bears no relation to reality

Immigration to Germany from other European Union countries hit a new record of over 685,000 people last year, led by Romanians, Poles and Bulgarians, Die Welt daily said Saturday, citing official figures. 
 
A total of 685,485 EU citizens arrived in Germany in 2015 while 303,036 left for a net increase of 382,449, the paper reported, saying it had access to data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). 
 
Germany&#39;s economic success and relatively low unemployment has drawn people from the EU&#39;s poorer members in search of work and better lives. 
 
Romanians topped the list of new arrivals in Germany last year with nearly 175,000, followed by Poles with almost 150,000 and Bulgarians with just over 70,000, Die Welt said. 
 
Promises to limit immigration from other EU states played a key role in the campaign for Britain&#39;s membership referendum, which delivered a shock victory last week for the &quot;leave&quot; camp. 
 
In April, Germany tabled a proposed law to drastically limit EU migrants&#39; access to welfare payments. 
 
Die Welt said a total of 4.1 million EU citizens currently live in Germany.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

German's economic success and relatively low unemployment has drawn people from the EU's poorer members in search of work and better lives

Immigration to Germany from other European Union countries hit a new record of over 685,000 people last year, led by Romanians, Poles and Bulgarians, Die Welt daily said Saturday, citing official figures. A total of 685,485 EU citizens arrived in Germany in 2015 while 303,036 left for a net increase of 382,449, the paper reported, saying it had access to data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Germany's economic success and relatively low unemployment has drawn people from the EU's poorer members in search of work and better lives. Romanians topped the list of new arrivals in Germany last year with nearly 175,000, followed by Poles with almost 150,000 and Bulgarians with just over 70,000, Die Welt said. Promises to limit immigration from other EU states played a key role in the campaign for Britain's membership referendum, which delivered a shock victory last week for the "leave" camp. In April, Germany tabled a proposed law to drastically limit EU migrants' access to welfare payments. Die Welt said a total of 4.1 million EU citizens currently live in Germany. (AFP)

EU migration to Germany hits record high of 685,000: German national daily

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Trump Reaffirms US Support for Morocco’s Western Sahara Claim | Spain Faces Migrant Crisis

Incoming Dutch government intends to opt out of EU migration rules

European Union votes in favour of migration rules overhaul after nearly a decade of deadlock

EU Migration Policy bears no relation to reality

EU migration to Germany hits record high of 685,000: German national daily