European leaders urge tougher migration measures at Brussels summit

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Leaders from the European Union on Thursday are considering stricter migration policies, including increased deportations, enhanced border security, and cooperation with non-EU countries, while also addressing growing concerns over irregular migration.

”It is clear to us that criminals must be repatriated, we have organized a flight to Afghanistan, there will be more and of course, criminals from the country cannot stay in Germany,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Rudaw during a press pool.

Leaders from 27 EU countries are meeting at the European Summit in Brussels from Wednesday to Saturday in Brussels. Topics are expected to include non-EU nations in processing and hosting asylum seekers, strategies to curb irregular migration, and efforts to increase deportations. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East are also top agenda issues. 

“We will continue to do so and strive to ensure the repatriation of criminals. But what you asked is not the prerequisite for this,” Scholz said in regard to whether the normalization of diplomatic relations with Syria is necessary.

 

Leaders from 27 EU countries are meeting at the European Summit in Brussels from Wednesday to Saturday in Brussels. Topics are expected to include non-EU nations in processing and hosting asylum seekers, strategies to curb irregular migration, and efforts to increase deportations. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East are also top agenda issues. 

“We will continue to do so and strive to ensure the repatriation of criminals. But what you asked is not the prerequisite for this,” Scholz said in regard to whether the normalization of diplomatic relations with Syria is necessary.

In May 2023, Scholz and Germany's state leaders approved tougher measures to limit migration in response to a surge in asylum seekers, while encouraging legal immigration.

"Austria has been trying for a year now to reach an agreement that it [refugees] can be repatriated to Syria," Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said.

"Syria is now documented to be safe in many areas," he added, citing the “voluntary” return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon and Lebanese refugees to Syria as evidence.

“That should be sign enough that people can actually be repatriated, together with the United Nations to the UN refugee agency,” the Austrian chancellor remarked.

“We need very effective returning policy. We need cooperation with third countries, country [of] origin, and transit,” said Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. “We have to strengthen our border security by building infrastructure like fences into the borders."

Orpo was a key figure behind tightening Finland’s immigration policies during his time as interior minister which gained significant praise from fellow politicians in Europe seeking stricter migration policies.

Zinar Shino contributed to this article.