European officials attending the United Nations' High-level Week emphasized the importance of cracking down on illegal or 'irregular' immigration. They highlighted the success of stringent policies in curbing unauthorized migration as European countries continue to seek agreements to secure the continent.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani underscored the significance of agreements with North African countries to reduce illegal immigration. He emphasized the need to distinguish between legal and illegal immigration, stating that combating crime, including human trafficking, is crucial in addressing the issue.
Europe has faced significant migration challenges from North Africa and the Middle East, leading to a refugee crisis in 2015-2016 and subsequent spikes in migration. To tackle this, countries have implemented localized immigration policies, while the EU has negotiated deals with countries like Tunisia, Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Germany and Italy have received a high number of asylum applications, prompting them to introduce reforms to manage the influx. Italy's southernmost island, Lampedusa, has been inundated with migrants from Tunisia, straining processing centers.
Hungary has been embroiled in legal disputes over its immigration policies, with the European Court of Justice imposing fines for breaching asylum rules. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized Brussels for what he perceives as a pro-migration stance, advocating for a halt to migration.
The issue of migration within the EU, coupled with free movement agreements, poses challenges in managing external borders. European leaders are grappling with finding a balance between upholding free movement principles and strengthening border controls.
Recent right-wing gains in European Parliament elections reflect public concerns over migration. Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia responded to a surge in migrants from Belarus by fortifying borders with barriers and increased surveillance.
European officials stress the need for coordinated efforts to address irregular migration and safeguard external borders, acknowledging the complex geopolitical dynamics influencing migration patterns.
