EU divided over relocation of 30,000 asylum seekers at Luxembourg talks

Before formal talks had even begun, Poland threw the discussions off balance by declaring that it would refuse to take in asylum seekers from other EU countries. Other governments, including Austria, Belgium, and Sweden, have since taken a similar position.

One European diplomat described the meeting as likely to be a "painful discussion", as a final decision on relocating migrants across the bloc must be reached before the end of the year.

The EU adopted a sweeping migration reform package in 2024, due to take effect in the coming months. Among its key provisions is a new mechanism requiring countries to share responsibility for asylum seekers across the continent.

To ease the pressure on frontline states such as Greece and Italy, other member states must each year either accept a set number of asylum seekers or, alternatively, pay €20,000 per person to the countries under strain. A minimum of 30,000 relocations is required annually, and the first negotiations on how to divide this quota are already proving contentious.

The European Commission was due by 15 October to identify which countries are considered to be under "migration pressure", based on various criteria. That assessment will then form the basis for how many asylum seekers each state agrees to host, or how much financial support it will offer instead.

However, Brussels has asked for a few extra days to finalise its calculation method, after objections from several influential governments. European Commissioner Magnus Brunner acknowledged the difficulties, stating that it was difficult because it is the first time the system is being tested, but added that discussions would continue throughout the day in Luxembourg.

Return hubs back on the table

Alongside relocation, ministers also discussed measures to speed up the return of migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected. The Commission's proposal would allow member states to establish "return hubs" outside EU borders, where these migrants could be transferred.

The draft text also includes tougher rules and penalties for those who refuse to leave European territory, including the possibility of longer detention periods.

Yet negotiations remain complicated. Several countries, notably France, oppose the idea of mutual recognition of deportation decisions, meaning that an expulsion order issued in one country, such as Italy, would automatically apply in another, like France.

This disagreement has stalled progress on the proposal, even as countries pushing for stricter migration policies, including Denmark, are urging that an agreement be reached before year's end.