The Twenty-Seven Seek to Intensify the Fight Against Unauthorized Immigration

Meeting of European Leaders

The widely circulated photo on social media reveals the current priorities of the European Union (EU) and the power dynamics at play. It captures Giorgia Meloni, the Italian council president, seated with ten of her counterparts, including Dutch Dick Schoof, Danish Mette Frederiksen, Greek Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Austrian Karl Nehammer, Polish Donald Tusk, Hungarian Viktor Orban, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Ahead of the EU heads of state and government meeting on Thursday, October 17 in Brussels, they gathered to discuss “innovative solutions” against immigration, a prominent issue in Europe lately. There is a notable shift in the atmosphere regarding migration issues in Europe, with a growing consensus leaning towards the political right.

New Policies and Strategies

In light of the rise of right-wing and far-right movements across Europe, more EU member states are pushing for a tougher community policy on migration, despite a 42% decrease in irregular entries within the EU since the beginning of the year. Even Germany, known for its openness, has reinstated border controls and tightened entry conditions. Countries are seeking to strengthen European rules while remaining faithful to their values, as emphasized by French President Emmanuel Macron. Six months after the adoption of the asylum and migration pact, efforts are underway to accelerate the implementation of the agreement before the June 30, 2026 deadline.

Strategic Partnerships and Legislative Reforms

Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding new partnership agreements with countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, and Mauritania that would involve development aid in exchange for enhanced departure controls. Ursula von der Leyen has expressed intentions to engage with nations like Senegal and Mali. Expectations are high for von der Leyen to propose new legislation on the deportation of asylum seekers who have been rejected. With only 18% of them actually leaving the EU voluntarily, there is a call to tighten the current rules, established in 2008. The European Parliament, where the right and far-right gained seats in the recent elections, is anticipated to support these measures.