The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has ruled out this Friday in Brussels that European Union resources be used to finance deportation centers in third countries intended to host migrants awaiting expulsion, a formula that 19 member states have called for. The head of the Élysée has stressed that he maintains doubts about both the "effectiveness" of this model and its compatibility with the values and fundamental rights that underpin the community project.
"I am a great defender of innovation, but I also have great prudence when it comes to innovating on values and Human Rights. Allow me to have this reservation," he stated at a press conference at the end of the EU leaders' summit, referring to the expression "innovative solutions" used by Ursula von der Leyen's Executive as a euphemism to propose the creation of these deportation centers outside the community territory.
Macron insisted that he supports a common migration policy that allows for "less illegal migration in Europe" and speeds up procedures to accelerate the return of those who do not obtain international protection. "It is common sense, it is in accordance with our law, and it is what societies expect from us," he defended.
In this regard, and after celebrating that at the October summit the heads of state and government have committed to a fundamental debate on migration, the French leader stressed that his Executive "does not support" the "innovative policies" promoted by other partners. He specified that these are initiatives that, in any case, fall within the scope of national competence and, therefore, should not be financed with European money.
During the negotiations among the Twenty-Seven on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), member states have agreed this week—with Spain voting against and France reserving its position—on the possibility of allocating part of the future budget to these types of centers, through the 'Global Europe' fund for external action.
"I have never seen a center work in a third country," Macron warned, questioning whether the proposed model consists of transferring people who refuse to return to their country of origin to another state "perhaps in exchange for money, and to which country? With what Human Rights?".
"I am not sure that it is the Europe nor that it fits within the Fundamental Rights on which Europe was built," he added in his appearance at the end of the European Council. He concluded that he respects the decisions that each government adopts at the domestic level, but he made it clear that "they will not be the ones we implement (in France) nor those that the budget we adopt (at 27) will launch."