As indicated in the released report, “not only the migratory pressure in the Mediterranean countries, but also the situation at the eastern borders of the European Union (EU) requires decisive action at the EU level.”
According to the head of Lithuania, attention must be paid both to the protection of the EU’s external border and to work with the countries of origin of illegal migration.
“The instrumentalization of migrants at the EU’s eastern borders continues. For two years now, we have been dealing with this phenomenon, which requires not only proper preparation and operative response, but also legal measures at the EU level,” said G. Nausėda.
Lithuania and some other EU states seek to have the concept of instrumentalization of migration enshrined in the Schengen Borders Code, references to all types of stationary and mobile border protection infrastructure, common minimum standards for border surveillance, provision for the possibility for member states faced with instrumentalization of migration to take appropriate national measures.
However, in September of this year, the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs voted in favor of the proposal to delete all provisions related to the instrumentalization of migration from the draft.
In 2021, almost 4.2 thousand illegally arrived from Belarus to Lithuania. migrants, but most of them left the country after the end of movement restrictions.
Since August 3, 2021, when Lithuanian border guards gained the right to turn illegal migrants, a total of almost 22 thousand of them have not been allowed to enter Lithuania from Belarus. Some foreigners repeatedly tried to cross the state border illegally.
During the meeting, EU leaders also discussed the security situation in the Western Balkans and the South Caucasus. According to the President of Lithuania, in order to achieve long-term peace and stability in the Caucasus, it is necessary for Armenia and Azerbaijan to return to the negotiating table.
In the discussion about the economy, the Lithuanian leader emphasized the need to continue strengthening the EU’s competitiveness by working in two directions – strengthening the EU’s internal market and developing international partnerships.
According to G. Nausėda, it is important to pay attention to creating a business-friendly environment, reducing the fragmentation of the service sector, and increasing companies’ access to finance.
The Eurozone summit discussed the economic situation, the review of economic governance, fiscal policy coordination and the future of European financial and capital markets.
The head of Lithuania noted that it is extremely important to continue to closely coordinate fiscal and economic policy in the euro group in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth. According to him, taking into account the fact that Lithuanian companies face the challenges of financing their activities, it is necessary to pay special attention to the issue of increasing access to finance.
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#Nausėda #calls #actively #address #challenges #illegal #migration
2024-09-07 15:01:16
New Pact on Migration and asylum
Table of Contents
EU Migration Policy: Addressing Pressing Concerns and Future Directions
The European Union (EU) has been grappling with the complex issue of migration for years, and recent developments have underscored the need for decisive action at the EU level. According to a report, both the Mediterranean countries and the eastern borders of the EU require urgent attention and cooperation [[1]]. This article delves into the EU’s migration policy, highlighting the current challenges, proposed solutions, and future directions.
Protecting the EU’s External Border and Addressing Instrumentalization of Migration
The head of Lithuania, G. Nausėda, has emphasized the importance of protecting the EU’s external border and working with countries of origin to combat illegal migration [[2]]. The concept of instrumentalization of migration, which involves using migrants as a political tool, has been a pressing concern at the EU’s eastern borders. Lithuania and other EU states have proposed enshrining this concept in the Schengen Borders Code, along with provisions for member states to take national measures to address this issue.
Challenges and Controversies
However, the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs has voted to delete provisions related to instrumentalization of migration from the draft [[3]]. This decision has sparked controversy and debate among EU member states. Furthermore, the situation at the Belarus-Lithuania border has seen a significant influx of illegal migrants, with over 22,000 having been turned back since August 2021.
The EU’s Common Migration Policy
The EU has developed a comprehensive approach to migration, covering rules on resettlement, work, study, research, and family reunification [[2]]. The EU’s migration policy aims to manage legal migration flows, process asylum requests, and return illegal migrants. The European Commission has outlined the key elements of the EU’s migration policy, including the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which provides a framework for reforming the EU’s migration and asylum policies [[1]].
Future Directions
Looking ahead, EU leaders must continue to prioritize migration policy reform. The development of a business-friendly environment, reduction of fragmentation in the service sector, and increased access to finance are crucial for achieving sustainable economic growth [[3]]. Moreover, strengthening the EU’s internal market and developing international partnerships will be essential for enhancing the EU’s competitiveness.
the EU’s migration policy is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires cooperation, coordination, and decisive action among EU member states. Addressing the pressing concerns of instrumentalization of migration, border protection, and economic growth will be crucial for building a more resilient and prosperous EU.
References:
Europe immigration issues
The European Union’s Migration Policy: Challenges and Solutions
The European Union (EU) has been grappling with the issue of migration for decades, and it continues to be a major challenge for the region. The ongoing migratory pressure in the Mediterranean countries, coupled with the situation at the eastern borders of the EU, requires decisive action at the EU level [[1]]. In recent years, the EU has taken steps to address the issue, including the approval of a major overhaul of migration rules in April 2024 [[2]].
Instrumentalization of Migration
One of the key concerns for the EU is the instrumentalization of migration, which involves the use of migrants as a political tool to exert pressure on the EU’s external borders. This phenomenon has been observed at the EU’s eastern borders, particularly in Lithuania, where migrants have been used to put pressure on the border [[1]]. The head of Lithuania, G. Nausėda, has emphasized the need for the EU to take decisive action to address this issue, including the adoption of legal measures to prevent instrumentalization [[1]].
Proposed Solutions
To address the issue of instrumentalization, Lithuania and other EU states are seeking to have the concept enshrined in the Schengen Borders Code. This would involve references to all types of stationary and mobile border protection infrastructure, common minimum standards for border surveillance, and provision for the possibility for member states faced with instrumentalization of migration to take appropriate national measures [[1]]. However, the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs voted in favor of deleting all provisions related to instrumentalization of migration from the draft in September 2024 [[1]].
Migration Policy Centre
To address the complex issues surrounding migration, the EU has established the Migration Policy Centre, a centre of advanced research and training on international migration, asylum, and mobility [[3]]. The centre aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of migration and to develop evidence-based policies to address the challenges posed by migration.
EU’s Response to Migration
In recent years, the EU has taken a number of steps to address the issue of migration. In 2021, the EU approved a new migration pact, which aimed to reduce irregular migration and provide a more sustainable approach to managing migration flows [[2]]. The pact included measures to strengthen border control, improve the returns process, and enhance cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these efforts, the EU still faces significant challenges in addressing the issue of migration. The ongoing migratory pressure in the Mediterranean countries, as well as the situation at the eastern borders of the EU, requires continued attention and action. The EU must work to strengthen its external borders, improve cooperation with countries of origin and transit, and develop a more sustainable approach to managing migration flows.
Conclusion
The EU’s migration policy is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. The instrumentalization of migration is a particular concern, and the EU must work to prevent this phenomenon from exacerbating the migratory pressure at its external borders. By strengthening its external borders, improving cooperation with countries of origin and transit, and developing a more sustainable approach to managing migration flows, the EU can work towards a more effective and humane migration policy.
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