A group of 17 European countries has called for a “paradigm shift” in migration policy to ensure asylum seekers whose applications have been declined are effectively and speedily sent back to their home countries.

This new approach, they say, should entail “consequences” for those who are handed a return order but never leave the continent.

“People without the right to stay must be held accountable. A new legal basis must clearly define their obligations and duties,” the countries write in a non-paper seen by Euronews. “Non-cooperation must have consequences and be sanctioned.”

Governments, they continue, “must be empowered” to carry out deportations “in full respect of fundamental rights”.

The document was led by Austria and the Netherlands and endorsed by Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia and Sweden. Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, three non-EU member states part of the Schengen Area, also lent their signatures.

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