Christerson on the intense debate on immigration at the EU summit: “A real difference”

During the European Union summit held on Thursday, the heads of state and government of member states discussed “innovative ways” to reduce migration. According to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (centre), it was a “very broad discussion” but did not lead to any concrete changes in immigration policy.

– I think [vår diskussion] It becomes very indicative […] “In a tough direction,” Christerson said after the meeting.

According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the discussions addressed how to define so-called safe third countries – countries outside the EU that are considered safe enough to enable migrants to seek protection there rather than in the EU.

The leaders also discussed the possibility of establishing “return centres” outside the bloc, an idea rejected by the Commission a few years ago. Another idea discussed was cooperation with UN agencies of the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration to return migrants stranded, for example, in North Africa to their sub-Saharan homelands.

There is a 2018 bill to increase the return rate. But it remained stuck in the European Union Parliament and Council of Ministers. Ursula von der Leyen promised to introduce a new draft law on this topic soon.

Von der Leyen said that of all those who do not have the right to remain in the European Union, only 20 percent of those who have the decision to return are actually returned to their countries of origin.

Ulf Kristersson calls for using different tools – such as trade, visa rules and aid – that EU countries must reach agreements and dialogue with countries so that they can take back their expelled citizens.

The calls for tougher measures come at the same time as the number of so-called irregular border crossings into the European Union. clearly decreased this year.

Germany wants to see legal methods

The conclusions did not mention legal routes for migrants and refugees to reach the European Union. But the German Chancellor, Social Democrat Olaf Schulz, pointed out the importance of keeping the door open to labor migration.

– No economy in the world grows in the long term with a shrinking labor force. “That's why it's so important not to forget this part,” Olaf Schulz said.

Solidarity with Poland

The Polish government recently imposed restrictions on asylum rights after Russia and Belarus sent migrants to Poland in what was described as a hybrid attack. Finland has also previously taken similar measures. The Heads of State and Government “express their solidarity with Poland and with the Member States facing these challenges.”

The summit concluded that “exceptional situations require appropriate action.”

Clear agreement

The agreement between member states on the issues raised at the summit was broad, given that it actually ended at nine o’clock on Thursday evening. The second scheduled day of the meeting, Friday, did not have to be used either. European Council President Charles Michel said that there is “increasing convergence” in countries' positions.

– Especially when it comes to external aspects of migration, said Michel.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also indicated a change in outlook on immigration.

– There has been a significant change in the point of view of member states regarding it [migration]. Christerson said there is a big difference in how the discussion looks now compared to two years ago.