European Union leaders are set to convene in Brussels on Thursday to discuss new measures aimed at addressing irregular migration, following a notable increase in support for far-right political parties across the bloc. The summit will also cover ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine, but the handling of migration is expected to be a focal point.
In an invitation letter to EU leaders, EU Council President Charles Michel emphasized the need for concrete actions to prevent irregular migration. He highlighted the importance of strengthening external border controls, enhancing partnerships, and reinforcing return policies for migrants.
Despite last year seeing fewer irregular migrants and refugees—less than one-third of the one million recorded during the 2015 migration crisis—there have been alarming increases in certain areas. According to data from the EU’s Frontex border agency, the number of arrivals at the EU's border with Belarus surged by 192% in the first nine months of this year, reaching 13,195. Similarly, the number of migrants arriving in the Spanish Canary Islands doubled to 30,616.
Poland, facing upcoming presidential elections, has proposed temporarily suspending asylum rights for migrants crossing from Belarus, a move critics argue violates the EU’s fundamental rights charter. This proposal follows Finland's earlier decision to suspend asylum rights for migrants from Russia.
While the EU established a new Migration Pact in May, its full implementation is not expected until mid-2026, leaving the bloc in a challenging transitional phase. The pact currently lacks provisions to address the "weaponization" of migration by nations like Russia and does not adequately tackle the issue of returning migrants whose asylum applications are denied.
To address these challenges, the European Commission plans to propose that migrants without the right to stay in the EU be sent to "return hubs" in non-EU countries, with which the EU will negotiate agreements.
In a pre-summit communication, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged leaders not to be complacent and called for parts of the Migration Pact to be enacted sooner. She also proposed "innovative" projects, citing Italy's controversial outsourcing of asylum applications to Albania.
Recently, the first group of refugees was transported to Shengjin port under Italy’s deal with Albania, which allows for the processing of asylum claims outside EU territory. Von der Leyen remarked that these experiences could provide valuable insights for future migration policies.
Additionally, the Netherlands is considering a plan to send rejected African asylum seekers to Uganda. This idea was presented by the Dutch trade and development minister during a visit to Uganda, although its legal and practical feasibility remains uncertain.
As public sentiment regarding irregular migration grows increasingly cautious, Germany has implemented border controls with its neighbors, temporarily suspending the Schengen zone's passport-free travel. France, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Italy, and Slovenia have also enacted border checks in response to rising concerns.
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