EU Leaders Explore Stricter Measures on Irregular Migration at Brussels Summit
The heads of State and Government of the European Union convened in Brussels on Thursday, committing to explore new methods to prevent and manage irregular migration directed towards EU territory. This initiative aligns with the more stringent approaches taken by countries such as Italy, Poland, and Denmark, as the leaders seek innovative solutions, including the establishment of deportation centers outside EU borders and potential sanctions against non-cooperating third countries.
European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the pressing need for a cohesive European response to the migration crisis, stating on social media, "Migration is a European challenge that requires a European response. We must strengthen the implementation of our comprehensive approach."
Among the salient points highlighted by Michel was the importance of forging alliances with both transit and origin countries of irregular migration, combating human trafficking networks, reinforcing control over the external borders, increasing deportations, and facilitating legal entry routes into the EU. The concluded text adopted by the European Council reflects the leaders' commitment to examine innovative strategies for managing irregular migration in compliance with both European and international law. It also indicates a future re-examination of migration discussions, although without a specified timeline.
The recent summit responded to a collective call from 14 member states, urging for an exploration of new solutions for tightening migration policies. Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has supported the call for discussion, particularly citing the need to learn from the agreements made by Giorgia Meloni's far-right government in Italy with Albania, which aimed to transfer rescued migrants from Italian waters to Albania.
Von der Leyen proposed the notion of creating deportation centers in third countries where irregular migrants could be held while their expulsion is processed. Moreover, she suggested implementing trade sanctions and visa restrictions against countries that refuse to accept the return of their nationals.
The leaders also explicitly addressed the roles of Russia and Belarus in manipulating migration to undermine EU values, including the right to asylum. The summit resulted in a show of solidarity with Poland and other countries facing hybrid attacks due to increased irregular migration at their borders, reiterating the necessity for appropriate measures in response to exceptional circumstances.
Additionally, the final conclusions stressed the urgency of implementing existing European legislation and maintaining the legislation tied to the recently introduced Migration and Asylum Pact. Reports from European sources indicated that Poland, which previously opposed this Pact, aimed to ensure that the implementation of reforms wouldn't hinder member states' ability to maintain order and security.
The controversial proposal to establish deportation centers outside the EU has been a focal point of recent discussions, though it was not duly reflected in the final wording of the conclusions. However, von der Leyen mentioned at the summit's conclusion that this matter was broadly addressed, despite ongoing questions regarding the length of time deportees would remain in these centers and the procedure for those whose expulsion to their countries of origin remains unfeasible.
Following the summit, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated his firm opposition to the concept of deportation centers, arguing that such measures fail to resolve the underlying issues and potentially exacerbate new problems. In contrast, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed skepticism about the feasibility of negotiating with third countries to house individuals unwillingly accepted by their nations.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated that while EU nations should have the prerogative to determine which migrants can enter, he raised concerns about the practicality of Italy's agreement with Albania for a more extensive bloc like Germany. In the context of enforcing the Migration Pact, Von der Leyen affirmed the bloc's readiness to expedite its implementation if deemed necessary, but cautioned that any acceleration must preserve the careful balance of responsibility and solidarity that the Pact was constructed upon.
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