European ministers discuss stronger border controls and fast-track migrant returns

European interior ministers gathered in Munich, Germany to discuss enhancing border controls and implementing swift procedures for returning migrants. The 17 ministers from the European Union and Britain convened as part of efforts to strengthen migration controls following the adoption of a migration and asylum pact in June.

The ministers acknowledged a recent decline in asylum applications across Europe and fewer migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean. However, they also highlighted the growing peril of the journeys undertaken by these migrants.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the necessity of a new European migration crisis mechanism to address situations of "waves of illegal border crossings." He proposed rules to identify border emergencies, a response mechanism, and a system for expediting some returns. Dobrindt also advocated for the European border security and coast guard agency, Frontex, to be involved in the return process.

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner underscored the importance of border protection in the reforms, noting a significant reduction in illegal migration. He reported a 55% drop over the last two years and an additional 33% decrease in the previous year. Brunner stressed the need to decide who can remain in Europe and those who cannot must leave.