Brussels – Austria’s EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) stated in an APA interview that Europe has lacked control over migration for the past decade. He reflected on the 2015 refugee crisis, noting that while Europe took in millions of refugees, it did so without proper controls or regulations. He emphasized that the migration issue is a pressing concern but clarified he does not support turning Europe into a “Fortress.”
During the 2015 crisis, while serving as a federal councilor and in the energy sector, Brunner observed considerable solidarity and humanitarian assistance in Austria, Germany, and across the EU. However, he raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of such responses.
“We need to restore the feeling of control to people,” he remarked, stressing the need for changes following the unregulated influx of refugees in 2015. He pointed out that Europe must implement the Asylum and Migration Pact by June 2026, which aims to restore control and includes various reforms to tighten existing asylum regulations and reduce irregular migration.
Brunner highlighted the necessity for joint solutions within the EU and its member states, questioning how to establish collaborative rules for better migration management. He acknowledged the high pressure on local populations and indicated a need for stricter measures.
The Commissioner aims to address illegal migration while distinguishing it from legal migration, stating that the EU must devise determined yet fair regulations that respect human rights. Although many member states have expressed dissatisfaction with the current agreement, Brunner affirmed that all 27 EU countries support the pact, viewing it as an essential compromise that should not be reopened for discussion.
Brunner emphasized the urgency of implementing the agreed-upon measures, arguing that improved control over illegal migration would facilitate discussions on legal migration, crucial for meeting labor market demands. He reiterated the need for the EU to determine who enters Europe, rather than leaving such decisions to human traffickers.
The new pact envisions asylum centers at external borders and the establishment of return hubs outside the EU. Brunner acknowledged the human rights concerns raised by NGOs regarding these return hubs but assured that protective mechanisms would be included. He also stressed the importance of engaging with third countries to effectively manage migration, citing the successful agreement with Turkey following the 2015 refugee wave as a model for cooperation.
Brunner stated that the EU must recognize the geopolitical realities, even when negotiating with undemocratic nations. He noted recent difficulties faced by politicians, including himself, when attempting to enter eastern Libya, highlighting the complexities of migration diplomacy. (05.09.2025)
Leave a Reply