Copenhagen (APA) – At the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, key figures including Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker from the ÖVP and EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola convened on Thursday to bolster their collaborative efforts against irregular migration in Europe. The Danish government, currently holding the EU Council presidency, is recognized for its strict stance on this issue.
In a joint statement, leaders from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Andorra stressed the necessity for a comprehensive strategy and innovation to address the evolving challenges of illegal migration. They committed to supporting one another in crucial areas.
Strengthened Actions Against Smugglers
The group aims to intensify their efforts against smuggling networks and enhance the security of external borders. They propose establishing a “robust legal framework and asylum systems” to protect against exploitation while deterring those who seek to exploit these systems. International treaties, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Refugee Convention, should be applied in a manner that prevents misuse and allows governments to tackle contemporary issues. A letter from nine EU nations in May drew significant backlash for advocating a reevaluation of the ECHR interpretation to facilitate the deportation of foreign criminals. This initiative, led by Denmark and Italy, received support from Austria as well.
The statement also highlighted the need for effective and efficient return policies. New, innovative partnerships with third countries are proposed to expedite processing and alleviate domestic pressures. “We must ensure the return of individuals without the right to remain in our country. Just today, Austria deported a Syrian criminal back to Syria. Austria is the only European nation performing deportations to Syria, thus setting a precedent in Europe,” stated Stocker. EU interior ministers plan to discuss the new legislative proposal for returns during their upcoming meeting on October 14 in Luxembourg. (02.10.2025)
Leave a Reply