Brussels has breathed a sigh of relief: finally there has been an agreement that should put a brake on the influx of asylum seekers. But in Ter Apel things continue to muddle through.
After years of discussions, the 27 European Ministers of Asylum and Migration established the migration pact this week. In short, it means that Europe divides asylum seekers at the external border into two groups immediately upon arrival: those who have a chance of receiving a residence permit and the group from safe countries who have no chance.
The latter will be told within a few weeks in a closed center whether they have to return, the promising people will travel to a country where they will go through the normal procedure. Countries that do not want to cooperate with the shelter can buy it off for 20,000 euros per person.
Unpack conveniently
The migration pact must ensure that human smugglers are taken care of. Few safe landers will risk the perilous and expensive crossing to Italy or Spain if they know they will be sent back a few weeks later. This should be beneficial for the overflowing shelters throughout Europe and subsequently reduce nuisance. In addition, they hope to take the wind out of the sails of the right in Brussels before the European elections in June.
But then the question is of course: what does Ter Apel notice about this? Nothing at all for the time being. The new legislation must come into effect in 2026. Until then, it is likely that the influx of migrants will only increase to avoid the lock on the European door in 2026.
Providing solutions, whatever
The sad thing is that the House of Representatives, with a right-wing majority, also leaves Ter Apel to its fate. The PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB, who are working on a new cabinet, did not get further than a little arguing with the left on Wednesday. Blaming each other for the misery, that’s it. Providing solutions, whatever.
Of course, our outgoing State Secretary promised for the umpteenth time to do his best. But the distribution law that Eric van der Burg must guide through the Senate is rejected by his own party, the VVD, for which he sits in the House of Representatives. And then he would keep his promise now.
In the meantime, Ter Apel muddles along. Where do they get the courage from every day?