Backlog of asylum claims could cost Dutch state €100m in fines

The Dutch government faces a bill of up to €100 million in penalties for its failure to process asylum claims within a reasonable time following a European court judgment last week. The Court of Justice (CJEU) in Luxembourg said the Netherlands must comply with EU rules that state asylum seekers are entitled to a decision within six months. Member states are allowed to extend the deadline in exceptional circumstances, such as when a large number of applications are made in...