EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss tightening migration policies

In Stockholm, Sweden, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the necessity of a strict migration policy ahead of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels scheduled for October 2024. He highlighted that such policies are crucial for addressing various pressing issues within Europe. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has communicated with EU leaders, proposing legislative measures aimed at increasing pressure on migrants who do not qualify for asylum to return to their home countries. This initiative is a response to calls from several member states, including Sweden, for more stringent asylum policies. Poland has recently announced its intention to temporarily suspend the right to asylum, citing concerns over a hybrid attack from Russia and Belarus, which they claim is aimed at destabilizing the EU by sending migrants across their borders. This situation is expected to be a significant topic of discussion at the upcoming summit. Kristersson expressed understanding of Poland's position, suggesting that the right of asylum may need to be reevaluated in light of current geopolitical realities. He argued that the existing asylum framework is outdated and not equipped to handle the manipulation of migration by countries like Russia. The summit will likely address these complex issues, as member states seek to balance humanitarian obligations with national security concerns. The discussions may lead to significant changes in EU migration policy, reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape and the challenges posed by external actors.