This week, the College of EU Commissioners held an initial debate on the EU’s asylum and migration policy for the coming years. Vice President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos presented the key points of the Agenda. As the subject had the highest priority, the planned strategy of the Commission would be finalized in May rather than June.

The Commission members announced four priorities, which the EU had to tackle within the coming years. This would include the strengthening of the European asylum system, the effective security of European borders, the opportunity of entering Europe legally as well as the “aggressive” fight against people smuggling.

Within the Commission, migration should be regarded as an interdisciplinary issue, as it would impact many policy fields.

With regard to the asylum sector, development aid, as well as the cooperation with transit countries such Turkey, Serbia or the North-African states would play a role. Nevertheless, solidarity was important; that is why one had to consider legal routes.

On case of legal migration possibilities to Europe, the Commission would definitely take into account the situation of the labour markets in some Member States. However, one could not deny the fact that the European population would continue to age and that qualified migrants would represent a necessary asset. That is why the “Blue Card” had to be included on the agenda again; the Commission would initiate a respective Consultation.

With regard to Frontex, the Commissioner praised the Operation Triton, which had saved thousands of lives and would be without any alternative. However, Frontex was no border police. If the Member States wanted such a force, it had to make legal amendments and provide better financing.

Further Information:

Presse release of the Commission