Bernd Parusel
@bernd-parusel.bsky.social
Senior researcher in political science, SIEPS Sweden. Migration & asylum expert (EU, Sweden, Germany).
Pinned
Bernd Parusel
@bernd-parusel.bsky.social
· May 15
The EU’s new agenda for returning irregular migrants
sieps.se
Published today: My new @sieps.bsky.social analysis, in a Q&A style, of the recent EU Commission proposal for a new return regulation, including wider EU migration, asylum & return policy context. ➡️ "Controversial elements but no magic cure to long-standing problems".
sieps.se/en/publicati...
sieps.se/en/publicati...
By the way also a must-read for EU leaders who talk about ”innovative” third country solutions and ”return hubs”.
We shouldn‘t go down this road.
We shouldn‘t go down this road.
This is a great investigation & powerful story.
Cruel, illegal deportations and, as someone quoted in the article says, ”a textbook case of kidnapping and human trafficking”. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Cruel, illegal deportations and, as someone quoted in the article says, ”a textbook case of kidnapping and human trafficking”. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Disappeared to a Foreign Prison
The Trump Administration is deporting people to countries they have no ties to, where many are being detained indefinitely or forcibly returned to the places they fled. Sarah Stillman reports.
www.newyorker.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:49 PM
By the way also a must-read for EU leaders who talk about ”innovative” third country solutions and ”return hubs”.
We shouldn‘t go down this road.
We shouldn‘t go down this road.
This is a great investigation & powerful story.
Cruel, illegal deportations and, as someone quoted in the article says, ”a textbook case of kidnapping and human trafficking”. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Cruel, illegal deportations and, as someone quoted in the article says, ”a textbook case of kidnapping and human trafficking”. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Disappeared to a Foreign Prison
The Trump Administration is deporting people to countries they have no ties to, where many are being detained indefinitely or forcibly returned to the places they fled. Sarah Stillman reports.
www.newyorker.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:44 PM
This is a great investigation & powerful story.
Cruel, illegal deportations and, as someone quoted in the article says, ”a textbook case of kidnapping and human trafficking”. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Cruel, illegal deportations and, as someone quoted in the article says, ”a textbook case of kidnapping and human trafficking”. www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Combatting the far right by implementing their migration policy?
Sad story that can end badly. www.dw.com/en/german-in...
Sad story that can end badly. www.dw.com/en/german-in...
German Interior Minister: 'My migration course is tough' – DW – 11/19/2025
In an interview with DW, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said he wanted but crack down harder on what he calls the "abuse" of asylum law. Will this curb the success of the far-right AfD p...
www.dw.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Combatting the far right by implementing their migration policy?
Sad story that can end badly. www.dw.com/en/german-in...
Sad story that can end badly. www.dw.com/en/german-in...
Reposted by Bernd Parusel
Justice ministers from the Council of Europe’s 46 member states will meet in Strasbourg on 10 December to debate the future of the European Convention on Human Rights.
December showdown on ECHR as reform demands intensify
Justice ministers from the Council of Europe’s 46 member states will meet in Strasbourg on 10 December to debate the future of the European Convention on Human Rights.
euobserver.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Justice ministers from the Council of Europe’s 46 member states will meet in Strasbourg on 10 December to debate the future of the European Convention on Human Rights.
”I dag ger sig en växande skara europeiska politiker åter på Europadomstolen och nu handlar det – förstås – om invandring.”
Bra krönika av Annika Ström Melin. www.dn.se/ledare/annik...
Bra krönika av Annika Ström Melin. www.dn.se/ledare/annik...
Annika Ström Melin: Ulf Kristerssons kritik av Europakonventionen är ren populism
Annika Ström Melin: Ulf Kristerssons kritik av Europakonventionen är ren populism
www.dn.se
November 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
”I dag ger sig en växande skara europeiska politiker åter på Europadomstolen och nu handlar det – förstås – om invandring.”
Bra krönika av Annika Ström Melin. www.dn.se/ledare/annik...
Bra krönika av Annika Ström Melin. www.dn.se/ledare/annik...
”EU member states have yet to designate areas where they want to build infrastructure along the external borders to host, detain and possibly deport migrants and prospective asylum seekers.” euobserver.com/migration/ar...
EU states stall on border sites for migrant detention and deportation facilities
EU member states have yet to designate areas where they want to build infrastructure along their external borders to host, detain and possibly deport migrants and prospective asylum seekers.
euobserver.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:29 PM
”EU member states have yet to designate areas where they want to build infrastructure along the external borders to host, detain and possibly deport migrants and prospective asylum seekers.” euobserver.com/migration/ar...
Image that emerges: A government unable to adress the problems of the people or the economy (or Europe!) but obsessed about refugees. www.dw.com/en/germany-m...
How Germany aims to increase deportations – DW – 11/04/2025
On a visit to Syria, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul commented on the difficult living conditions people face amid the postwar reality. The context of the comments seemed to jar with his party's depo...
www.dw.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Image that emerges: A government unable to adress the problems of the people or the economy (or Europe!) but obsessed about refugees. www.dw.com/en/germany-m...
Europol set to grow.
”Beyond privacy fears, rights groups argue the reform entrenches a ’Fortress Europe’ approach by framing migration as a criminal and security issue. www.euractiv.com/news/parliam...
”Beyond privacy fears, rights groups argue the reform entrenches a ’Fortress Europe’ approach by framing migration as a criminal and security issue. www.euractiv.com/news/parliam...
Parliament backs expanded Europol powers to fight migrant smuggling amid privacy concerns | Euractiv
Rights groups argue that the reform frames migration as a criminal and security issue
www.euractiv.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Europol set to grow.
”Beyond privacy fears, rights groups argue the reform entrenches a ’Fortress Europe’ approach by framing migration as a criminal and security issue. www.euractiv.com/news/parliam...
”Beyond privacy fears, rights groups argue the reform entrenches a ’Fortress Europe’ approach by framing migration as a criminal and security issue. www.euractiv.com/news/parliam...
Further growth and expansion of the @frontex.bsky.social mandate on the horizon apparently.
Rather one-sided wishlist from member states.
➡️ Here’s one more thing that I think Frontex should do: Systematic search and rescue in the Mediterranean.
Rather one-sided wishlist from member states.
➡️ Here’s one more thing that I think Frontex should do: Systematic search and rescue in the Mediterranean.
Cracking scoop on #Frontex by my ace Euractiv colleague @nicolettaionta.bsky.social
She is a scoop machine. If you're not following her, what's wrong with you!?
www.euractiv.com/news/exclusi...
She is a scoop machine. If you're not following her, what's wrong with you!?
www.euractiv.com/news/exclusi...
EXCLUSIVE: EU capitals eye wider powers for Frontex to tackle drone threats | Euractiv
The move comes amid mounting concern over a series of drone incursions into European airspace in recent months
www.euractiv.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Further growth and expansion of the @frontex.bsky.social mandate on the horizon apparently.
Rather one-sided wishlist from member states.
➡️ Here’s one more thing that I think Frontex should do: Systematic search and rescue in the Mediterranean.
Rather one-sided wishlist from member states.
➡️ Here’s one more thing that I think Frontex should do: Systematic search and rescue in the Mediterranean.
Terrible.
If I remember correctly from reading @sallyhayd.bsky.social’s ”My fourth time, we drowned’, Doctors Without Borders was one of few organisations that managed to do meaningful work for refugees in Libya. @nikolajnielsen.bsky.social @euobserver.com
euobserver.com/migration/ar...
If I remember correctly from reading @sallyhayd.bsky.social’s ”My fourth time, we drowned’, Doctors Without Borders was one of few organisations that managed to do meaningful work for refugees in Libya. @nikolajnielsen.bsky.social @euobserver.com
euobserver.com/migration/ar...
EU in talks with Tripoli after Doctors Without Borders told to leave
The European Commission says it is consulting with member states after Libyan authorities in Tripoli kicked out Doctors Without Borders, an aid organisation that has helped thousands in the country.
euobserver.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Terrible.
If I remember correctly from reading @sallyhayd.bsky.social’s ”My fourth time, we drowned’, Doctors Without Borders was one of few organisations that managed to do meaningful work for refugees in Libya. @nikolajnielsen.bsky.social @euobserver.com
euobserver.com/migration/ar...
If I remember correctly from reading @sallyhayd.bsky.social’s ”My fourth time, we drowned’, Doctors Without Borders was one of few organisations that managed to do meaningful work for refugees in Libya. @nikolajnielsen.bsky.social @euobserver.com
euobserver.com/migration/ar...
Good history lesson, also for people in other parts of Europe.
Piece on how the British right has managed to convince a significant minority that it would be in their interests to get rid of the European Convention on Human Rights. My suggestion: rather than capitulate, make human rights part of a wider politics of equality.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
How the European convention on human rights became a battleground between the centre and the right | Daniel Trilling
For 20 years, populists have been blaming the ECHR for endangering Britain by offering basic protections to immigrants, says author Daniel Trilling
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Good history lesson, also for people in other parts of Europe.
Spaning: Så småningom kommer vi att vara nere på den asylrättsliga miniminivån. Vad gör man då? Ifrågasätta de internationella normer som anger vad miniminivån är. Och sedan kan man kanske fortsätta neråt. Kanske är kritiken mot Europakonventionen ett första tecken.
www.dn.se/sverige/kris...
www.dn.se/sverige/kris...
Kristersson vill se över Europakonventionen efter våldtäktsdom
Statsminister Ulf Kristersson (M) reagerar på fallet där en 18-årig flykting slipper utvisning trots att han dömts för våldtäkt.
www.dn.se
October 29, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Spaning: Så småningom kommer vi att vara nere på den asylrättsliga miniminivån. Vad gör man då? Ifrågasätta de internationella normer som anger vad miniminivån är. Och sedan kan man kanske fortsätta neråt. Kanske är kritiken mot Europakonventionen ett första tecken.
www.dn.se/sverige/kris...
www.dn.se/sverige/kris...
This is quite a topic here in Sweden right now. www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/muni...
Municipalities take stand against Swedish government repatriation plan - Radio Sweden
The political leadership of Jokkmokk and Växjö municipalities decline taking part in the government's project to encourage voluntary repatriation from ...
www.sverigesradio.se
October 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM
This is quite a topic here in Sweden right now. www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/muni...
Reposted by Bernd Parusel
Outstanding issues on the future status of some 4.7 million Ukrainian refugees throughout the EU persist as policymakers wrangle over long term solutions.
Future status of Ukrainian refugees mired in EU red tape
Outstanding issues on the future status of some 4.7 million Ukrainian refugees throughout the EU persist as policymakers wrangle over long term solutions.
euobserver.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Outstanding issues on the future status of some 4.7 million Ukrainian refugees throughout the EU persist as policymakers wrangle over long term solutions.
Reposted by Bernd Parusel
A few flashlights from my latest open access publication with @judithkohlenberger.bsky.social and @bernd-parusel.bsky.social in the European Journal of Migration and Law: (1/4)
brill.com/view/journal...
brill.com/view/journal...
October 26, 2025 at 3:10 PM
A few flashlights from my latest open access publication with @judithkohlenberger.bsky.social and @bernd-parusel.bsky.social in the European Journal of Migration and Law: (1/4)
brill.com/view/journal...
brill.com/view/journal...
”…the prevailing mood of the public against migration means changes need to be made”.
Is it really a good idea to question the European Convention on Human Rights because of a ”mood of the public”? euobserver.com/migration/ar...
Is it really a good idea to question the European Convention on Human Rights because of a ”mood of the public”? euobserver.com/migration/ar...
Meloni's push to 'reform' ECHR gains ground after summit breakfast
The European Convention on Human Rights is coming under increasing pressure, as 13 member states met for breakfast talks before their Brussels summit to discuss how to more easily deport migrants conv...
euobserver.com
October 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM
”…the prevailing mood of the public against migration means changes need to be made”.
Is it really a good idea to question the European Convention on Human Rights because of a ”mood of the public”? euobserver.com/migration/ar...
Is it really a good idea to question the European Convention on Human Rights because of a ”mood of the public”? euobserver.com/migration/ar...
”Parties of both the center-right and the center-left are unintentionally strengthening far-right parties by repeating their ideas and rhetoric in a doomed attempt to shrink their support.”
www.dw.com/en/does-adop...
www.dw.com/en/does-adop...
Does adopting far-right rhetoric help the political center? – DW – 10/24/2025
Researchers in Berlin have found centrist parties are allowing far-right parties to dominate political debate by repeating their rhetoric. Chancellor Merz's recent remarks on Germany's "cityscape" are...
www.dw.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:41 AM
”Parties of both the center-right and the center-left are unintentionally strengthening far-right parties by repeating their ideas and rhetoric in a doomed attempt to shrink their support.”
www.dw.com/en/does-adop...
www.dw.com/en/does-adop...
More news and comment on the demographic change in Europe. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Poland’s birth rate is in freefall. The cause? A loneliness epidemic that state cash can’t solve | Anna Gromada
Bonuses for families have done nothing to fix a baby bust caused by post-communist Europe’s relationships crisis, says sociologist Anna Gromada
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:01 PM
More news and comment on the demographic change in Europe. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
So, who is going to do it in the end?
So far, the return hubs idea mostly seems to be cynical entertainment for European voters.
So far, the return hubs idea mostly seems to be cynical entertainment for European voters.
Mauritania will not host any European deportation centres, government says
Mauritania will not host any European deportation centres, government says
Mauritania will not host any European deportation centres, a government advisor tells EUobserver.
euobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:53 AM
So, who is going to do it in the end?
So far, the return hubs idea mostly seems to be cynical entertainment for European voters.
So far, the return hubs idea mostly seems to be cynical entertainment for European voters.
This story from the @csmonitor.bsky.social about immigration and integration in Sweden 🇸🇪 and Denmark 🇩🇰 doesn’t fully reflect my own view of what’s happening in this part of Europe, but it does offer some interesting observations and perspectives (and two short quotes from me).
It’s worth reading. 👇
It’s worth reading. 👇
Inside Europe’s most dramatic migration experiment
Inside Europe’s most dramatic migration experiment
www.csmonitor.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:09 PM
This story from the @csmonitor.bsky.social about immigration and integration in Sweden 🇸🇪 and Denmark 🇩🇰 doesn’t fully reflect my own view of what’s happening in this part of Europe, but it does offer some interesting observations and perspectives (and two short quotes from me).
It’s worth reading. 👇
It’s worth reading. 👇
”…the move was part of a wider crackdown against migrants who refuse to integrate with Swedish values.”
But: It’s not quite clear yet what these values are. euobserver.com/migration/ar...
But: It’s not quite clear yet what these values are. euobserver.com/migration/ar...
Sweden to deport migrants who spent just one day in jail, says minister
Migrants who spend at least one day in jail will be deported from Sweden, according to the country's migration minister, Johan Forssell.
euobserver.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:12 PM
”…the move was part of a wider crackdown against migrants who refuse to integrate with Swedish values.”
But: It’s not quite clear yet what these values are. euobserver.com/migration/ar...
But: It’s not quite clear yet what these values are. euobserver.com/migration/ar...
Reposted by Bernd Parusel
TODAY 👇
In two days, on 22 October, EU and Egyptian leaders will meet in Brussels for their first-ever summit.
🧵Migration will be on the table but so must the truth about how Europe’s policies are fueling abuses against people on the move in Egypt.
🧵Migration will be on the table but so must the truth about how Europe’s policies are fueling abuses against people on the move in Egypt.
October 22, 2025 at 6:59 AM
TODAY 👇
Not the first time Merz polarises with remarks about migration. But his recent ”cityscape” comment was particularly bad. www.dw.com/en/germanys-...
Germany's Merz under fire for 'racist' deportation comment – DW – 10/18/2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently praised his government's tough stance on immigration, but said "problems in the cityscape" persisted. His offhand remark has sparked fierce criticism from opp...
www.dw.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Not the first time Merz polarises with remarks about migration. But his recent ”cityscape” comment was particularly bad. www.dw.com/en/germanys-...
På onsdag föreläser jag på Kulturhuset i Stockholm på temat ”Sverige 30 år i EU: fri rörlighet, migration och asyl.”
stockholm.europarl.europa.eu/oppna-forela...
stockholm.europarl.europa.eu/oppna-forela...
October 20, 2025 at 4:39 AM
På onsdag föreläser jag på Kulturhuset i Stockholm på temat ”Sverige 30 år i EU: fri rörlighet, migration och asyl.”
stockholm.europarl.europa.eu/oppna-forela...
stockholm.europarl.europa.eu/oppna-forela...
The new EU Pact for the Mediterranean: You know what a bold long-term vision would have been? Working together towards a common EU-Med free movement area.
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
Detail unclear on how much is new in EU's 'strategic' Mediterranean Pact
The EU made promises to set up a university for the Mediterranean region and a renewable energy programme as part of a ‘Pact for the Mediterranean’ on Thursday — but it is unclear whether many of thes...
euobserver.com
October 17, 2025 at 8:44 PM
The new EU Pact for the Mediterranean: You know what a bold long-term vision would have been? Working together towards a common EU-Med free movement area.
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...