The key point of the reform is that people from a country that is considered safe are placed in strictly controlled reception facilities after crossing the EU border. Within twelve weeks, it will then be checked whether the applicant has a chance of being granted asylum. If this is not the case, they are to be sent back to their country of origin immediately. In future, the reform will also require solidarity with those member states at the EU's external borders that are under particular pressure: These can apply for support from other member states. In this way, a certain number of people seeking protection would be sent to other countries via a distribution key. Those who do not want to take in refugees would have to pay compensation.
"In the medium and long term, the reform can provide urgently needed relief for the still very tense accommodation situation in cities, municipalities and districts. It also means that those who come to the EU for political reasons can assert their basic right to asylum and be accommodated because sufficient suitable capacity is available - this is currently increasingly at risk," states District Administrator Allgaier.
Since January 2022, the district of Ludwigsburg has increased its accommodation capacity in temporary accommodation by around 1,300 places from 1,466 to 2,785 due to the sharp rise in the number of new arrivals. The 38 shared accommodation facilities, including one school sports hall, are currently almost 80 percent full.
The next step in the reform of EU asylum law is negotiations with the EU Parliament. Changes to the reform are still possible. It could be adopted before the European elections in 2024. "The asylum law reform should then also be implemented quickly, as a further increase in the number of refugees can be expected as a result of the announcement," says District Administrator Allgaier.
