A coalition of Council of Europe member states, led by Italy and Denmark, has pushed forward a political declaration to harden the European Court of Human Rights' interpretation on migration matters. The initiative seeks to limit doctrines that, according to these governments, hinder border control and returns. Although non-binding, it reflects growing political pressure on the court.
The alert system and automation at borders 🤖
Border surveillance technology, such as biometric recognition systems and shared databases like Eurodac, allows states to track migration movements with precision. However, the political declaration seeks to have the ECtHR limit doctrines that require individual assessments before an expulsion. This would imply a shift in the balance between automated controls and the right to an effective remedy, a constant technical and legal debate.
The declaration that doesn't bind but tightens ⚖️
The declaration is non-binding, but hey, you know how this works: first comes a paper with no legal force, then a ruling that interprets it, and finally governments complain that the court has become too creative. It's like asking a referee not to call fouls because they spoil the show. Meanwhile, migrants remain the ball in the game.