Rome (APA) – Austrian EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner asserts that the EU’s migration strategy is yielding tangible results. “Irregular migrant arrivals have dropped by 35 percent in the past year. Our efforts are effective, but we must do more. Addressing illegal migration is essential to restoring public confidence and preventing division on this issue,” Brunner stated in an interview with the Milan daily, “Corriere della Sera,” on Monday.
“We are concentrating on finalizing the asylum and migration pact, set to take effect in June. This pact emphasizes a balance of solidarity and responsibility, which will only succeed if member states are committed to its implementation. In January, we’ll unveil a new five-year EU migration strategy and will explore a new role for Frontex,” Brunner noted after attending a meeting with the interior ministers of the Med5 countries – Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta – in Valletta on Saturday.
“Europe must enhance migration diplomacy”
“Brussels’ solidarity mechanism includes relocations, financial aid, and other specific actions, along with operational backing from our European agencies. A member state will receive solidarity only if it adheres to the responsibility aspects of the pact, meaning it applies the Dublin regulations. The pact will be implemented by mid-2026, with annual assessments to determine the pressures faced by each state and compliance with the rules,” Brunner explained. He also emphasized the need for Europe to engage in more migration diplomacy.
Brunner called for a more efficient system for deporting illegal migrants in Europe. “Currently, only one in five individuals who are illegally in the EU and have a return order is actually deported, which is unacceptable. The return regulation aims to streamline these procedures. There is a noticeable shift in migration policy. During the Syria crisis, Europe bore significant responsibility, but the lack of a functioning system hindered us. We aim to regain that control. The pact lacked some essential components, which we have now addressed with the return regulation, the concept of safe third countries, and the EU’s list of safe countries of origin,” the EU Commissioner highlighted.
Brunner commended the migration policy of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “Meloni takes a pragmatic stance: she advocates for clear rules, and I completely concur. We need to be fair but also devise innovative solutions to ensure the system functions effectively,” Brunner argued. (1.12.2025)
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