Action plan of 4 articles in the fight against irregular immigration from the EU

Von der Leyen spoke at the session on “Sustainable Solutions in the Field of Migration and Asylum” at the General Assembly of the European Parliament (EP), before the extraordinary Summit of EU Leaders that will take place on the 9th and February 10 with the main “migration” agenda.

Von der Leyen claimed that there were 330,000 irregular entries into the EU in 2022 and said:

“This represents an increase of 64 percent over the previous year. The highest number since 2016. In parallel, 924,000 asylum applications were submitted throughout the EU. Undoubtedly, there are increasing pressures on our external borders. It is our duty to ensure that Europe remains a sanctuary for those in need. However, the asylum or reception system in the member states is under serious pressure. The reality is that the vast majority of asylum seekers do not need protection. However, return rates are as low as 22 percent.”

Von der Leyen stated that he will propose two areas of work, legal and operational, at the extraordinary Summit of EU leaders to be held next week, adding: “The best response we can give will be to move forward on the new immigration and asylum package. . said he.

PROTECTION OF EXTERNAL BORDERS

Von der Leyen stated that there are 4 action points that can “make a real difference in the field” and the first of these is the strengthening of the external borders.

Von der Leyen said: “The most pressing problem at the moment is on the land border between Bulgaria and Turkey. We can strengthen the border with administrative capabilities. We can also provide infrastructure and equipment such as drones, radar, and other surveillance tools. On the other hand, we can increase the presence of Frontex”. he said.

Referring to the urgent need to address the situation of irregular migration along the central Mediterranean route, von der Leyen said: “We need to support our member states and our North African partners in coordinating their search capabilities and ransom.” saying.

Von der Leyen emphasized the need to fight human trafficking, saying: “We will initiate a new anti-human trafficking partnership with major third countries. These will bring together prosecutors and law enforcement agencies supported by Europol and Eurojust. We must say ‘stop’ to this exploitative business together”. he used his statements.

RETURNS

Von der Leyen stated that the second point was to “focus on faster and more dignified turns” and continued:

“Every year, there are around 300,000 return decisions made by member states, but only around 70,000 actually return. Now we have to correct some shortcomings. For example, the extradition decision taken in one Member State must be valid in all Member States. That is, if a person who has been extradited by Italy is in France, that person can be extradited directly to their country of origin.

REDISTRIBUTION

Von der Leyen stated that the third point is to provide “solidarity” regarding the burden of irregular migration between member states, while also addressing secondary migration movements that have reportedly been met.

CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH KEY PARTNERS

Von der Leyen, finally expressing the need to build closer relationships with key partners, said: “Opportunities for capacity partnerships, visa policy, trade and investment, as well as secure and legal forms, play an important role here.” he performed the assessment of it. (AA)