As the European Union (EU) prepares for its upcoming summit on October 17-18, migration is set to be the key issue on the agenda. Over recent weeks, governments across Central Europe, many advocating for stricter migration controls, have amplified calls for tougher policies on irregular migration, leading to increased political discussions and promises of further action.
Von der Leyen’s Letter and the Migration Pact
On October 14, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a letter to EU leaders outlining a ten-point plan to address migration challenges. The letter emphasised the need for continued cooperation with third countries and highlighted the importance of implementing the recently adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. While the Pact is intended to modernise the EU’s approach to migration, von der Leyen acknowledged that it alone is not enough to tackle the current challenges.
Among her key proposals was the creation of “return hubs” outside the EU, designed to expedite the deportation process for those who do not qualify for asylum. This idea has gained support from several Central and Eastern European member states, who have been advocating for stronger measures to curb illegal migration.
Central Europe’s Call for Stricter Migration Controls
Governments in Central Europe, including those of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, have been at the forefront of the push for migration reforms. These nations have consistently called for stronger border controls and more robust deportation procedures. On October 7, 17 governments signed a document urging the European Commission to introduce a “paradigm shift” in migration policy, which would involve tightening external borders and reinforcing return processes for asylum seekers who do not meet the necessary criteria.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a long-standing critic of the EU’s migration policies, reiterated his position during a press conference on October 8. Orbán, whose government built a 175-kilometre fence along Hungary’s southern border in response to the 2015 migration crisis, continues to advocate for what he describes as a “fortress Europe” to better control migration. His call for stricter policies has resonated with several other countries in the region.
In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently announced the temporary suspension of asylum rights at Poland’s border with Belarus, citing concerns over Belarusian authorities allegedly facilitating the movement of migrants into Poland to destabilise the area. Tusk’s decision reflects the growing pressure on EU governments to take action amid the evolving migration.
Shifting Political Dynamics in Europe
The influence of right-leaning and populist parties across Europe has contributed to the broader push for tougher migration policies. Recent elections in Austria, Slovakia, and the Netherlands saw significant gains for parties advocating for stricter controls. Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ), which promotes anti-immigration policies, secured a win in September, while Slovakia’s Robert Fico returned to power with a coalition that includes the Slovak National Party.
Further west, Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, known for his firm stance on migration, won the 2023 election, and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party emerged as the leading force in the 2024 European Parliament elections in France. Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) also made significant strides in regional elections, pressuring the government to reinstate temporary border controls.
These political shifts have increased pressure on the European Commission to take more decisive action on migration. While the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, scheduled to come into force in 2026, was designed as a compromise, it has faced scrutiny from various sides. Some member states, including Hungary and the Netherlands, have signalled their intention to opt out of certain parts of the agreement.
Addressing External Partnerships
Despite internal divisions, the EU continues to rely on external partnerships as part of its migration strategy. Von der Leyen’s letter emphasised the importance of cooperation with countries like Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, which have played crucial roles in reducing migration flows along the Central Mediterranean route.
However, irregular migration to Spain, particularly along the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic routes, has increased by 56% compared to last year, signalling that the challenge remains multifaceted. Ongoing engagement with North African and Asian countries will be essential to managing these routes.
Von der Leyen also emphasised the need for a more unified approach to migrant returns, with member states working together to streamline return procedures and ensure that those without the right to stay are efficiently sent back to their countries of origin. Digitalisation of case management and greater cooperation between member states are seen as key to improving the EU’s return policy.
Summit Focus: Migration at the Top of the Agenda
While the European Council summit was initially expected to focus on support for Ukraine and addressing the EU’s competitiveness, migration has now taken centre stage, with 14 member states, including Germany, France, and Italy, pushing for it to be the primary topic. This reflects the growing sense of urgency surrounding migration management within the bloc.
The summit will serve as a crucial test of the EU’s ability to reconcile differing views on migration, particularly as governments across the political spectrum—from liberal to conservative—grapple with the need to balance humanitarian obligations with national security concerns.
With migration being one of the EU’s most pressing challenges, von der Leyen’s letter and the upcoming summit are expected to drive the next phase of discussions on how the bloc can work together to manage migration more effectively.
Read also:
Britain Hosts the Largest Number of Illegal Migrants in Europe, Study Finds
Click here for more News & Current Affairs at EU Today
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eutoday1049
