Several European countries have jointly called for the ability to deport immigrants who commit crimes, arguing that current legal interpretations from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) limit their national sovereignty.
The appeal comes amid growing political pressure across Europe over immigration policy and public safety concerns.
According to Fox News, Denmark led the initiative by publishing a letter signed by leaders of eight other European Union member states: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, and Poland. Denmark is expected to assume the EU Council presidency in July and use the moment to call for changes in how the European Convention on Human Rights is applied.
Letter Urges Flexibility in Deporting Criminal Migrants
The letter criticises the ECHR for rulings that have blocked the deportation of migrants convicted of crimes. It argues that national governments must be able to make decisions in line with democratic processes and public safety priorities.
“It is beyond our comprehension how some people can come to our countries and get a share in our freedom and our vast range of opportunities, and, indeed, decide to commit crimes,” the letter reads.
The signatories distinguish between immigrants who have integrated and those who have committed crimes or isolated themselves from the broader society.
“Many have come here via legal pathways… Others have come and chosen not to integrate, isolating themselves in parallel societies and distancing themselves from our fundamental values of equality, democracy and freedom,” the letter states.
Calls to Reinterpret the European Convention on Human Rights
The letter argues that the current application of the European Convention on Human Rights has constrained member states’ ability to enforce national immigration laws. The countries request that the court’s interpretation be reviewed to permit the deportation of individuals involved in violent or drug-related offenses.
“Our ability to make political decisions in our democracies has been limited,” the letter claims.
The group also advocates for more effective measures to track illegal immigrants within their borders.
The signatories highlight concerns about security and manipulation of immigration systems, saying, “We need to be able to take effective steps to counter hostile states that are trying to use our values and rights against us. For example, by instrumentalising migrants at our borders.”
The joint statement from the nine countries comes shortly after the United Kingdom announced a series of new immigration controls. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined plans to tighten work visa rules and reduce the number of low-skilled foreign workers entering the country.
“Every area of the immigration system, including work, family and study, will be tightened up so we have more control,” Starmer said. “Enforcement will be tougher than ever, and migration numbers will fall. We will create a system that is controlled, selective and fair.”
The UK plans include limiting skilled visas to graduate-level jobs, restricting low-skilled visas to sectors critical to the country’s industrial strategy, and requiring companies to invest more in domestic workforce training. Visa access for overseas care sector workers will also be curtailed.
Broader Political Context and Migration Pressures
The coordinated message from Denmark and other EU countries shows the rising political pressure to address crime and migration together. Across Europe, there is growing voter concern about the effects of high immigration on public services and social cohesion.
The group’s letter positions immigration control as a matter of national sovereignty, arguing for more autonomy in enforcing deportation orders. It remains to be seen how the ECHR and broader EU institutions will respond to the proposed changes.
