Nine European countries, led by Italy and Denmark, are urging the European Union (EU) to modernise its approach towards expelling foreign criminals. This initiative comes as these nations express their frustration over the European Court of Human Rights and its interpretations that often hinder deportations.
The Letter’s Key Messages
- The letter was prepared ahead of a meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
- It highlights that current interpretations of the European Convention on Human Rights sometimes prevent the expulsion of individuals deemed a danger to society.
- Signatories include leaders from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
Political Reactions
While these countries advocate for more autonomy in deciding deportations, Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has voiced strong criticism against this approach. He stated, “In a society governed by the rule of law, no judiciary should face political pressure. Institutions that protect fundamental rights cannot bend to political cycles,” emphasising the importance of maintaining judicial independence.
According to Berset, the European Court of Human Rights exists to safeguard the rights of individuals and uphold the fundamental values of member states. He warned that allowing political forces to influence judicial decisions risks undermining the very stability such institutions strive to uphold.
A Growing Concern
Since the conservative coalition led by Meloni came to power in 2022, there has been a vigorous push to tighten immigration policies in Italy. Similarly, Denmark has been adopting increasingly stringent measures concerning immigration over the past decade, reflecting a broader sentiment across Europe regarding foreign nationals and criminality.
Next Steps
The outcome of the upcoming press conference in Rome, where Meloni and Frederiksen will elaborate on their position, is highly anticipated. This initiative underscores an ongoing debate in Europe about balancing human rights with national security concerns.