Finland is currently organizing the resumption of asylum seeker transfers to Italy, a move that establishes the nation as the fourth European country to implement such measures. This decision follows the entry into force of the EU's Asylum and Migration Regulation (AMMR), which empowers northern European states to return asylum seekers to the specific European country where they first arrived.
A representative from the Finnish interior ministry confirmed the development on Thursday, noting that the transfers are currently in the preparation phase. The ministry emphasized that the implementation of the AMMR allows for these returns, aligning with the government's objective to ensure that EU rules regarding the responsibility for examining asylum applications are applied as intended.
By taking this step, Finland joins Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in sending asylum seekers—often referred to as "Dubliners"—back to Italy. The Finnish interior ministry stated that it is crucial for all EU member states to fulfill their obligations under the pact. Furthermore, the ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining effective accountability procedures as part of the broader framework governing asylum responsibility across the European Union.
