Denmark, Italy, Poland urge EU leaders to harden stance on irregular migration
Draft conclusions backed by Rome, Warsaw and Copenhagen say irregular migration is "negatively linked to crime rates."
Brussels — Denmark, Italy, and Poland are urging the European Union to take a more stringent approach to irregular migration, according to EU diplomats and a draft of summit conclusions seen by POLITICO. Migration is a concern for many European citizens and poses a challenge to societal cohesion, negatively impacting crime rates, according to a draft of summit conclusions.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Denmark's Mette Frederiksen, and Poland's Donald Tusk backed a special session on Thursday requested by Meloni and Frederiksen. The bloc's 27 leaders were to discuss migration following a tense exchange with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in June. Tensions have escalated further due to Spain's Ceuta exclave being overwhelmed by migrants during the summer, and the rise of far-right parties across the bloc.
The draft calls upon the European Commission to explore a possible consultation mechanism to encourage coordination on national measures that could affect other Member States while respecting national competencies. However, concerns over the potential perception of the language as provocative toward Spain led to the removal of a discussion about migration's impact on social housing.
One of the diplomats, granted anonymity for discussing confidential information, stated that the updated draft was unlikely to receive unanimous support, but was proposed to align the language with political sentiments and encourage debate.
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