At a recent summit, the European People’s Party (EPP) issued a joint statement stressing the urgent need for an agreement focused on migration issues, particularly those affecting the Mediterranean region. The statement was adopted after a preparatory meeting held in Brussels, where EPP leaders and opposition representatives underscored the growing challenge posed by irregular migration.
The EPP leaders cited the EU-Lebanon agreements as an example of effective migration control, noting how these agreements have significantly reduced migration flows from Lebanon to Cyprus. They emphasized that irregular immigration remains one of Europe’s most pressing challenges, with asylum applications to the EU rising steadily in recent years. In the first 11 months of 2023 alone, over 350,000 people entered the EU irregularly while seeking protection.
The leaders pointed out that despite decades of efforts, the EU has struggled to create effective common policies on irregular migration and asylum. However, they expressed optimism that stopping irregular migration is now a top priority for Europe, with the EPP playing a leading role in pushing this agenda.
One successful initiative highlighted was the EU-Tunisia agreement, which has led to a 60 percent reduction in irregular arrivals from Tunisia to Italy in 2023. They also noted similar success in Cyprus due to the EU-Lebanon agreements, and reduced illegal crossings on Greece’s border with Turkey, achieved through surveillance, physical barriers, and cooperation with Turkey.
The EPP leaders emphasized that continued efforts are needed to tackle irregular migration and called for the swift implementation of the new Migration and Asylum Pact. They insisted that this implementation must respect each Member State’s responsibility to maintain law and order and safeguard internal security. At the same time, they called for innovative solutions to improve these policies further.
Additionally, the leaders stressed the importance of a functional Schengen Area and reinforced external border protection. To support Member States in securing the EU’s borders, they proposed tripling the number of Frontex personnel to 30,000 border and coast guards. They also called for EU funding to bolster stationary infrastructure in frontline states.
The EPP statement also warned of the risks posed by countries like Russia and Belarus, which could exploit the EU’s values, such as the right to asylum, to undermine European democracies. They emphasized the need for security measures to tackle the instrumentalization of irregular migration, as seen in hybrid warfare.
Furthermore, the EPP leaders advocated for the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Area, arguing that the zone is incomplete without their full participation. They also called for a new Mediterranean Pact, overseen by a dedicated European Commissioner, to elevate Europe’s presence in global affairs. This pact, they suggested, would address issues ranging from preventing irregular migration to fostering economic growth and security in North Africa and the Middle East.
The leaders proposed exploring comprehensive partnerships with third countries to manage migration more effectively. They pointed out that illegal border crossings and smuggling often result in loss of life and abuse, stressing the need for the EU to collaborate with international organizations to support third countries in processing asylum applications and facilitating returns.
Another critical point raised was the need for a more robust return policy. They called for the urgent replacement of the 2008 Directive with a new regulation that ensures uniform application of return procedures across the EU. Mutual recognition of return decisions, standardized procedures, and the reassessment of the ‘safe third country’ concept by June 2025 were among their recommendations.
Finally, the EPP leaders urged the EU to present a white paper on alternative measures for executing return decisions effectively and called for third countries to comply fully with their commitments under comprehensive partnerships. They emphasized the need for a common approach to return policies, particularly in cases involving criminals and individuals posing security threats.
Source: Cyprus Mail