Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will make a government statement on the EU summit next week in the Bundestag. One of the most important issues next to the war in Ukraine is probably the European asylum policy. On June 8, the EU interior ministers, with German approval, decided on plans for a far-reaching asylum reform with numerous tightening.
For example, asylum applications from migrants who come from countries of origin with a recognition rate of less than 20 percent are to be examined at the EU’s external borders within twelve weeks. During this time, they want to oblige those seeking protection to stay in strictly controlled reception facilities. The federal government is criticized for its approval. The Greens in particular are divided on the issue.
The EU summit should also deal with how the EU deals with China. The EU Commission has presented proposals for greater economic security. It should not be about economic isolation, but about so-called de-risking, the reduction of risks and dependencies.
For example, there should be protective instruments such as export controls or bans on foreign investments within the EU. Before the turn of the year, the Commission also intends to present a proposal on how the authorities can prohibit European companies from investing in China in certain cases. That would affect a small number of sensitive technologies that China could use to bolster its military capabilities.