The document, sent to EU leaders and foreign correspondents, focuses on accelerating the implementation of the already adopted European pact to better manage migration and asylum processes, while also tackling hybrid threats and strengthening borders, particularly with Russia and Belarus.
According to von der Leyen, both nations are "weaponizing people" to pressure the EU's external borders.
One of the main priorities for the incoming Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration (Austrian candidate Magnus Brunner) will be to work with EU member states on countering hybrid attacks and the exploitation of migrants, backed by diplomatic efforts and regulations targeting transportation operators.
EU migration strategy: tackling hybrid threats and strengthening borders
The head of the European Commission also seeks to harmonize visa policies and deepen cooperation with migrants' countries of origin, continuing the fight against human trafficking.
The Commission President advocates for a unified EU approach to migrant returns, suggesting the creation of specialized "return hubs" outside EU borders.
She also emphasizes the need to protect the Schengen Area, cautioning that reintroducing border controls should be a last resort, only in cases of significant security threats, to maintain the free movement of EU citizens.
Von der Leyen further proposed addressing the Middle East crisis through a strategy that includes returning Syrian refugees to their homeland, and called for reflection on the future of the 4.5 million Ukrainians currently residing in the EU, balancing the needs of Ukraine and the limited resources of member states.
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Source: IAR/PAP
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