Nine European Union countries, led by Denmark, have challenged the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to permit the deportation of illegal immigrants who commit crimes, arguing that the court’s interpretation of human rights protections has limited their sovereignty over immigration policies. In a letter published on Sunday, Denmark and eight other nations—including Austria, Belgium, and Poland—have criticized the ECHR for restricting their ability to deport migrant criminals. The letter highlights concerns that some migrants have not integrated into their host societies and have instead engaged in criminal activities, posing a threat to democratic values and public safety.
Denmark, set to assume the EU presidency in July, emphasized the need for a more flexible approach to immigration enforcement, allowing European governments to track and expel undocumented individuals who commit violent or drug-related offenses. The nations argue that the ECHR’s current stance hampers their ability to enforce policies that protect their citizens’ rights and security, particularly against states that may use migrants to undermine their democratic systems.
The letter, which was co-signed by leaders of Austria, Belgium, and Poland, outlines a broader strategy to enhance national control over immigration. It argues that the ECHR’s interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights has created a precedent where deportations are often blocked, even when the individuals in question are deemed threats to public safety. This has led to a growing frustration among member states, who believe that their democratic processes and national security are being undermined by the court’s rulings.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has also taken steps to address immigration concerns. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to tighten immigration rules amid voter frustration over high levels of immigration. The new measures include restricting skilled visas to graduates, limiting lower-skilled visas to areas crucial to the country’s industrial strategy, and requiring businesses to prioritize the training of British workers. The government also plans to remove the ability of care sector companies to apply for visas for overseas workers. Starmer emphasized that the reforms would create a more controlled and selective immigration system, ensuring a fairer and more secure approach to managing migration.
These developments reflect a broader trend among European nations to regain control over immigration policies, balancing humanitarian concerns with the need to protect national security and public safety. As debates over migrant integration and criminal behavior continue, the challenge for the ECHR—and for the EU as a whole—remains to navigate these tensions while upholding democratic values and human rights principles.