European Union Implements New Strategy to Address Migration Weaponisation

Brussels (Eurotoday) – The EU Commission has boosted support for Member Nations to reinforce EU security and fight the weaponisation of migration.

The European Commission has announced that it has adopted a communication to help Member States fight hybrid threats from the blank” rel=”noopener”>weaponisation of migration by Belarus and Russia to support security at the European Union’s external boundaries. The heavy and continuous nature of the hybrid threats at the Eastern European Union border by Russia and Belarus presents new difficulties for the European Union. 

In her remarks, President von der Leyen stated:

We have assumed another decisive action to defend our frontline Member States in opposing hybrid threats from Russia’s and Belarus’ inappropriate weaponisation of migration. Particularly countries adjoining Russia and Belarus, such as Finland with its 1.340-kilometre-long frontier with Russia, are confronting the serious challenge to ensure the security of the Union and territorial integrity of Member States. Today we show these countries further backing, including an extra 170 million in funding to boost electronic surveillance equipment, enhance telecommunication networks, position mobile detection tools and counter-drone intrusion. Autocrats must never be permitted to use our European values against us.

What steps are being taken to boost border security?

According to the EU Commission, its Communication supports Member nations, by developing the framework for measures that should deter Russia and Belarus from exploiting the European Union’s principles and values against the EU. The first action of the framework is identifying the challenges at the European Union’s external land boundaries with Belarus and Russia and the menace to the European Union’s security. Following the European Council’s role in Communication, the EU Commission has backed Member States to prevent Russia and Belarus from exploiting European Union principles and significances, including the right to asylum, against the European Union.

The Communication has also strengthened the EU policy reaction and operational support. Financial, operational, and diplomatic actions, including with the nations of origin and transit, were promptly boosted. To additionally improve border surveillance at the boundaries with Russia and Belarus, the EU Commission has made available an additional grant totaling €170 million.

The framework also included increasing collaboration with the Union and other Member nations. The EU Commission urges Member States to carefully consider all the claims at stake and make use of all the opportunities afforded by the European Union’s lawful order when taking extraordinary steps to fight hybrid spells from the weaponisation of migration.