Brandenburg is implementing a new strategy to manage asylum seekers by establishing a Dublin center for individuals whose applications fall under the responsibility of other EU states. Following a recent agreement between state and federal interior ministers, the center will assist refugees who entered Germany but previously applied elsewhere. Criticisms of the current Dublin process highlight inefficiencies, prompting calls for improvements. The AfD party opposes the center, arguing for stricter border controls and the suspension of the Dublin III protocol.
Brandenburg Charts New Course to Manage Asylum Seekers with Dublin Center By Andreas B. Hewel.
In a decisive move to streamline the asylum process, Brandenburg is pioneering a new approach aimed at reducing the number of asylum seekers within its borders. The establishment of a Dublin center is on the agenda, designed specifically for individuals whose asylum applications are primarily the responsibility of other EU nations.
Challenges of the Dublin Procedure
On Monday, a formal agreement was reached between Brandenburg’s Interior Minister Katrin Lange and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, both from the SPD party, to set up this Dublin center. The facility will cater to refugees who have entered Germany and are seeking asylum, despite having previously applied in another EU country. The primary objective, as articulated by Interior Minister Lange, is to facilitate the return of these individuals to the states where they initially submitted their applications.
The current Dublin procedure has faced substantial criticism for its inefficacy. Many refugees opt to bypass other EU nations, heading directly to Germany instead. Additionally, neighboring countries often resist taking back those who have passed through their territories. Lange expressed concerns over the procedure’s shortcomings, stating, “The ongoing discussions highlight serious deficiencies in the current Dublin framework.”
Plans for the Dublin Center
In response to these challenges, the interior ministers are urging the federal government to enhance and refine the existing processes. The proposed Dublin center is set to be established at the initial reception facility located in Eisenhüttenstadt (Oder-Spree). Lange emphasized the importance of utilizing existing infrastructure, both in terms of facilities and personnel. Initially, up to 150 accommodations are planned, with the potential for expansion if necessary. The ministry has refrained from disclosing precise figures regarding the number of Dublin cases in Brandenburg, but statistics from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) indicate nearly 6,000 transfer requests across Germany in January, with only 539 actual transfers.
Deficiencies in the EU Asylum Process
The Dublin III regulation, effective since 2014, requires that the country where refugees currently reside must handle their asylum applications, provided that other EU states do not guarantee a secure asylum process. This means that refugees cannot be returned to countries where they may face inhumane treatment or a lack of protection. The previous Dublin II regulation lacked such protections, often leading to situations where some EU nations could exploit the system by neglecting their responsibilities towards refugees.
AfD’s Critique
The AfD party, which advocates for the mass deportation of refugees, has criticized the planned Dublin center, labeling it as “symbolic politics.” AfD parliamentary manager Dennis Hohloch contended that the Dublin III system is ineffective and exacerbates asylum abuse. He argues for more stringent border controls, the establishment of detention centers for individuals facing deportation, and the elimination of social benefits that incentivize asylum seeking. The party insists that refugees should be denied entry at the border, asserting that all neighboring countries are safe havens, and they demand the suspension of the Dublin III protocol.
With the decision to create the Dublin center in Brandenburg now finalized, swift implementation is anticipated. However, its long-term existence remains uncertain, as potential shifts in federal government policy could lead to its rapid dissolution.
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, 17.02.2025, 07:00 AM
This topic was reported by Deutschlandfunk on February 17, 2025, at 10:39 AM.