Why EU asylum policy is failing

Ursula von der Leyen, Abdel Fattah al-Sissi — Visiting Egypt: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with Abdel Fattah al-Sissi.

The number of refugees in the EU is high. This could give populists a boost in many member states in this election year. For their part, those in power are promising to remedy the situation. However, migration agreements, the EU asylum reform package and deals such as the one with Egypt will probably not lead to the desired outcome.

Ursula von der Leyen smiled amiably into the cameras at the weekend: the EU Commission President had struck a deal with the Egyptian ruler and former general Abd al-Fattah as-Sisi. He urgently needs money, and the EU is offering it to him: €7.4 billion, €200 million of which is for migration programs. In return, the Egyptian autocrat is supposed to keep the refugees off Europe’s back.

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