Germany has taken an important step toward reshaping its asylum system by approving draft laws that follow the European Union’s new asylum rules. The proposals, backed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Cabinet, will now be debated in Parliament as Germany’s newspaper Spiegel.de reports.
The EU’s asylum reform, agreed in 2024 after long negotiations, is designed to create a uniform system across member states. The aim is to reduce pressure on individual countries, improve border management, and strengthen cooperation between governments. All EU nations must put the changes into place by June 2026.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt welcomed the move, describing it as a milestone in migration policy. He emphasized that Europe needs a functioning framework to prevent irregular migration and ensure fair responsibility-sharing between states. He also pointed out that some EU members want even stricter rules in the future.
Key Changes in the Reform
The reform introduces tougher rules for handling asylum applications and expands the powers of border and migration authorities. Among the main measures are:
- Border procedures at airports and ports: People entering Germany by plane or ship from outside the EU will have their asylum requests examined directly on arrival. If rejected, a return process should be completed within twelve weeks.
- Screening and EURODAC: Asylum seekers who enter irregularly will undergo checks within days. This includes identity, health, and security screenings, along with biometric data collection. The information will be stored in the EU-wide EURODAC database, accessible to all member states.
- Safe third countries: The government will have the power to classify countries as “safe” by decree. People from these countries will face faster asylum procedures with lower chances of success and quicker returns.
- Solidarity mechanism: EU states experiencing high migration numbers should receive support from other countries, either by relocating refugees, making financial contributions, or providing other forms of help. However, some members, such as Hungary, continue to oppose this system.
- Restrictions and detention: Freedom of movement may be limited, and detention is possible in cases where asylum rules are violated or there is a risk of absconding. Each decision will be assessed individually.
- Reductions in benefits: Asylum seekers who break accommodation rules or ignore reporting obligations could see their benefits cut.
- Access to work: In most cases, asylum seekers will be allowed to work after three months, and no later than six. Exceptions apply to people from safe countries of origin, Dublin cases, and those found to be abusing asylum rules.
What Comes Next
The Bundestag (German Parliament) will now examine the proposals in detail. Rights groups have already voiced concerns, warning that the measures could weaken protections for vulnerable people, including children.
As Germany moves ahead, the debate will shape how Europe balances border control with the protection of fundamental rights — a question that will define the future of asylum policy across the continent.
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