EU Commissioner Brunner Unveils Strategy to Strengthen Borders and Improve Returns Policy

The European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, outlined on Wednesday the European Union’s strategy to enhance security at its external borders and improve the return process for unsuccessful asylum seekers and visa overstayers. Speaking alongside Poland’s Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, Brunner stressed the need for reinforced border security, calling it essential for Europe’s safety. A key part of the plan is the implementation of an advanced entry-exit system, which he described as “the most technologically advanced border management system in the world.”

Brunner acknowledged that the ineffectiveness of returns remains a major issue, with only one in five individuals who lack the right to remain in the EU actually being returned. To address this, he announced that new legislation on returns will be presented next week, aimed at providing effective procedures for repatriating unsuccessful asylum seekers and visa overstayers. He argued that a fair and functional return system is necessary to uphold public confidence in the EU’s migration policies.

Additionally, Brunner revealed that lists of Safe Third Countries and Safe Countries of Origin will be released earlier than planned to meet the goals of the EU migration pact. In the meantime, EU ministers have discussed operational measures to immediately improve returns, such as issuing alerts in the Schengen Information System and enhancing Frontex support for border enforcement.