“It’s time to rethink the European migratory politicians,” they argue in an article co-authored with the newspaper Figaro President of the political group of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament Manfred Weber and head of the French delegation to the EPP Francois Bellamy.

In particular, they state that EUROPEAN UNION. to develop a strategy for dealing with migration-related problems, which will be based on two pillars.

On the one hand, “effective protection of the external borders is necessary, and this will be done with the availability and strengthening of the potential of Frontex. It is the border guards and coast guards who should decide who enters Europe and who does not, not the smuggling mafia,” they characteristically point out, emphasizing that “it also implies that Member States wishing to be admitted to them can supply protected fences with European funds in the event of a crisis”.

In addition, they continue, “we must finally be able to return people who do not have the right to remain on European soil.” They note that the vast majority of migrants crossing the Mediterranean are not refugees fleeing the war, but illegal migrants looking for work. They also demand the creation of uniform rules for NGOs performing search and rescue operations, which will oblige them to comply with the law of the sea.

The second pillar is based, as they say, on European solidarity and assistance to those who need protection.

“The migration crisis is a European challenge that we must tackle together. We need a long-term strategy to resolve problems at level 27, not pointless and divisive arguments, as happened in the case of Ocean Viking,” Werner and Bellamy say.

“Finally, we need to consider how Europe can prevent tragedies at sea by preventing migrants from crossing the border. We must also reconsider setting up European preselection centers outside our borders to process asylum applications before unsuitable people are put at risk. This exclusive procedure will put an end to the tragedies in the Mediterranean and at the same time decisively change the fight against illegal immigration. This is the only way to help those who really need protection, showing strictness and humanity,” they conclude.

Greek government satisfied

It is noted that, according to government sources, the Greek government seems to be satisfied with the conclusions of the European Council on Immigration.

Following the informal European Union summit in Brussels, the same sources said the Council is adopting the key positions of Greece and the EU. recognizes that the problem is European and that it needs a European response.

It also recognizes the need for effective control of the EU’s external borders at that time, which refers to land and maritime borders, and welcomes the efforts of front-line countries to secure the EU’s external borders.

Frontex Support

Government sources add that the text of the European Council’s conclusions declares support for Frontex and specifically its core mission, which is to support Member States in protecting external borders, combating cross-border crime and enhancing returns. .

In fact, it requires the immediate activation of community resources to strengthen the capabilities and infrastructure of border control, surveillance, including air.

The same sources note that, with regard to the issue of return, the text of the opinions emphasizes the possibility of imposing visa measures to the detriment of third countries that do not cooperate on the issue of return. He emphasizes the need for effective return to countries of origin and finally denounces attempts to use the migration service as a tool for political ends.

Tuned for efficient border control

At the same time, European leaders are demonstrating their determination to ensure “effective control of the EU’s external land and maritime borders” by calling on the Commission to fund border security infrastructure with European funds.

In particular, the European Council calls on the Commission to fund Member State measures that directly contribute to the control of the EU’s external borders, such as pilot border management projects, as well as the strengthening of border controls in key countries on transit routes. weight

He also calls on the Commission to “immediately mobilize important EU funds and funds”. provide support to Member States in strengthening capacity and infrastructure for border security, surveillance, including aerial surveillance, and equipment.” In this context, the European Council calls on the Commission to finalize the development of a European strategy for integrated border management as soon as possible.

At the same time, the European Council emphasizes that it “recognizes the particularities of maritime borders, including the protection of human life, and emphasizes the need for increased cooperation in search and rescue activities and, in this context, notes the relaunch of the European Contact Group on Search and Rescue.

In addition, the European Council reiterates the full support of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in the fulfillment of its main task, which is to support Member States in protecting external borders, combating cross-border crime and increasing returns. It also stresses the importance of the early entry/exit system and the European Travel Information and Authorization System.

Particular attention is paid to the fight against tools, illegal trafficking and smuggling. “The European Council condemns attempts to use migrants for political purposes, in particular when they are used as leverage or as part of hybrid destabilizing actions,” the conclusions say. European leaders are also calling for action, including possible action against traffickers involved in or facilitating human trafficking or smuggling of migrants.

It is also noted that through close cooperation between Member States, as well as with Europol, Frontex and Eurojust, as well as with key partners, the fight against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants will be further strengthened.

Migration flows

In terms of data on migration flows, European leaders are calling for better monitoring of data on throughput and migration flows, as well as faster identification of new migration trends both within and within the EU. Also, “27” calls on the authorities of the member countries to request support from the EU services. – including the Asylum Service and her Frontex – to ensure that all migrants entering the EU are recorded correctly.

In addition, the European Council recalls the importance of a single, comprehensive and effective EU policy. on return and readmission, and an integrated approach to reintegration. Quick action is needed to ensure an effective return from the EU. and from third countries along routes, in countries of origin and transit, using all relevant EU policies, tools and instruments, including diplomacy, development, trade and visas, as well as opportunities for legal immigration.

The European Council calls on the Commission and the Council to make full use of the mechanism provided for in Article 25a of the Visa Code, including the possibility of introducing restrictive visa measures for non-cooperative third countries for return. In order to expedite return procedures, the European Council also calls on member states to recognize each other’s return decisions.

Finally, the European Council encourages the co-sponsors to continue work on the Migration and Asylum Pact in line with the Common Roadmap, as well as on the revised Schengen Borders Code and the Return Directive.

^{According to information from APE – MEB}