German Asylum Policy Must Comply with European Law, Says Justice Minister
Germany’s Justice Minister, Stefanie Hubig, emphasized the importance of a European law and constitution-compliant approach in the country’s asylum policy. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Hubig stated that the government’s goal is to continue to tackle irregular migration, a shared objective of the coalition.
The minister stressed that it is crucial to work in accordance with European law and the rule of law. She noted that the Interior Minister has assured her that he shares this view. When asked if the rejection of asylum seekers is in line with the law, Hubig replied that the Interior Minister himself has clarified that a national law alone is not sufficient to justify rejections and that the conditions of Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union must be met.
Hubig acknowledged the significant impact of recent migration on Germany, citing the example of the state of Rhineland-Palatze, which has taken in an additional 25,000 students over the past three years. She described this as a substantial challenge. However, as the Justice Minister, she emphasized that the conditions for an exception must be high.
When asked if she shares her concerns with the Interior Minister, Hubig replied that she and Alexander Dobrindt, the Interior Minister, are in good and open discussions. The Chancellor has also made it clear that the government will adhere to the rule of law and European law and that there will be no German solo act. This, she said, is the correct standard.