The article from the German newspaper SZ delves into the controversial approach of the European Union towards migrants and asylum seekers, questioning the humaneness of its policies. Following a visit to one of the migration centers set up by Italy in Albania, journalist Lina Verschwele raises significant concerns about the treatment of asylum applicants. These centers, originally intended to expedite the processing of up to 3,000 asylum applications monthly, have transformed into detention facilities where harsh conditions may serve as a troubling model for the wider EU.

Despite initial legal obstacles that halted the mass processing of asylum requests, the centers are now described as de facto deportation prisons, marking a concerning shift in EU migration policy. Verschwele reports on the alarming increase in instances of self-harm and suicide attempts among detainees, shedding light on the dire mental health consequences faced by individuals within these centers. This troubling situation raises important questions about the ethics of EU migration policies, especially in light of the recent vote by the European Parliament, which saw bipartisan support for tightening asylum laws, including votes from conservative and far-right representatives.

The implications of Serbia's actions extend beyond its borders, as it resonates across the European Union, sparking debates about the adequacy of the EU’s compassionate approach towards migrants. As these issues unfold, the EU’s commitment to uphold human rights and dignity for asylum seekers is put to the test, against a backdrop of rising nationalism and restrictive immigration policies within its member states. This ongoing situation will likely influence the broader discourse on migration and asylum rights across the continent, necessitating a critical reassessment of current practices and priorities in handling refugees and migrants.