Nine European countries, led by Italy and Denmark, have called for changes to how the European Court of Human Rights interprets laws on deporting foreign criminals. In a letter sent ahead of a key meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen, the countries argued that national governments need more freedom to expel foreign nationals convicted of crimes.
They insisted that too many cases have been blocked by the court’s decisions, which they believe shield the wrong individuals and restrict national sovereignty. The group wants the European Convention on Human Rights, especially how it’s applied by the court, to be revisited so that governments can better enforce their immigration and criminal laws.
Council of Europe Pushes Back on Deportation Campaign
The call for reform did not sit well with Europe’s top human rights official. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, issued a strong statement defending the independence of the European Court of Human Rights.
“In a society governed by the rule of law, no judiciary should face political pressure,” Berset warned. “Institutions that protect fundamental rights cannot bend to political cycles.”
He stressed that the court must never be turned into a political tool, adding, “The court must not be weaponised neither against governments, nor by them.”
Court Caught Between National Security and Human Rights
The push by the nine countries adds to a growing debate within Europe over where to draw the line between public safety and human rights. Supporters of the deportation reforms argue that too much leniency has allowed convicted foreign criminals to remain in Europe, while critics say undermining the court could weaken human rights protections for everyone.
Berset reminded leaders that “upholding the independence and impartiality of the Court is our bedrock.” He insisted that the European Court of Human Rights was created to safeguard the values of its member states not to be reshaped by short-term political pressures.
Europe’s Foreign Criminal Deportation Push Raises Rights Concerns
This ongoing clash between national governments and the European Court of Human Rights shows the tension at the heart of modern Europe, balancing security with freedom, and sovereignty with shared values.
