Returns of rejected asylum seekers
Baume-Schneider at the first EU ministerial meeting
On Thursday in Stockholm, the EU interior ministers will discuss improving the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers. For Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, it is the first meeting with her counterparts from the EU.
Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will represent Switzerland for the first time at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Stockholm on Thursday. (Archive)
In preparation for the ministerial meeting, the Swedish EU Council Presidency presented a working paper in which it proposes increased pressure on countries that do not want to take back their citizens. For example, the issuing of visas is to be applied more restrictively.
Asked about pressure measures, Baume-Schneider said before the meeting that there needs to be a balance between international humanitarian law and security. “You can be restrictive on the one hand,” but then on the other hand you have to show solidarity with the people fleeing.
The Minister of Justice can imagine stronger cooperation with the EU, for example at Frontex. At the same time, she expects the EU to respect Swiss migration policies.
(SDA)