Import tariffs as a means of getting countries of origin to take back their nationals who do not have residency status in the EU
27.1.2025
Question for written answer E-000349/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marieke Ehlers (PfE)
On 26 January 2025, US President Trump announced sanctions against Colombia after the Colombian Government refused to allow to land two US planes carrying deported Colombian illegal immigrants. These sanctions included a 25 % import tax on goods from Colombia, with a possible increase to 50 % after seven days, visa sanctions for Colombian Government representatives, tougher border controls for Colombian residents and imports, and additional financial sanctions. Six minutes after the sanctions were announced, the Colombian Government proposed to pick up the Colombian illegal immigrants itself using the presidential plane.
- 1.Does the Commission agree that this type of sanction works to get countries of origin or departure to take back asylum seekers and criminal migrants who have been deported?
- 2.Is the Commission considering using such sanctions to facilitate the implementation of the Return Directive and the Pact on Migration and Asylum?
- 3.If not, why not?
Submitted: 27.1.2025
Last updated: 3 February 2025