Valtice (Břeclavsko) – Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan (STAN) emphasized at a press conference after the Salzburg Forum interior ministers’ meeting in Valtice that the migration pact alone is insufficient to tackle migration within the European Union. He advocated for additional measures such as establishing return centers, facilitating quicker and more efficient returns, and enhancing cooperation with third countries.
“While illegal migration rates in the Czech Republic are at their lowest in five years, including transit migration, it remains a significant issue for Europe as a whole,” the minister remarked. He noted that countries are increasingly pushing for stricter asylum legislation, as seen in the Czech Republic, but stressed that this alone isn’t enough. Rakušan called for new concepts and challenges to better address the situation.
The minister criticized the migration pact as an imperfect solution, proposing the creation of return hubs for refugees, potentially outside the EU, to streamline return processes. He also highlighted the importance of collaborating with third countries to tackle the underlying causes of migration.
Data from the police indicates a 10% year-on-year increase in illegal residence and migration along the external Schengen border in the first half of this year. However, transit illegal migration has dropped by 62.6% year-on-year. This period saw 52 people enter the Czech Republic, with most cases originating from intra-Schengen flights from Greece. According to the police, the notable decrease in land and air travel is attributed to reduced migratory pressure from the Western Balkan route, aided by national measures and international border security cooperation.
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner noted that collaborative efforts have resulted in a 21% overall decrease in migration, with a 47% drop in the Western Balkans. “A decade ago, we were ill-prepared for the migration crisis. Member states bore significant responsibility without clear rules or controls. We aim to prevent that now, and while the migration pact assists, many challenges, including returns, still need addressing,” he stated.
Founded in 2001, the Salzburg Forum facilitates communication between Austria and Central European countries, focusing on police cooperation, illegal migration, and harmonizing asylum procedures. The forum includes nine members: the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia. The Czech Republic holds the presidency of the forum in the latter half of this year. (September 12)
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