European Union leaders on Thursday expressed strong support for tightening border controls and adopting stricter immigration policies amid a growing wave of far-right sentiment across the bloc. With increasing pressure from populist movements that oppose immigration, EU leaders are moving to make the 27-nation bloc a less welcoming destination for migrants and asylum seekers, especially in light of recent far-right electoral gains.
At a summit focused heavily on migration, the leaders backed Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend the right to asylum, citing concerns that Russia and Belarus are weaponizing migration as a form of hybrid warfare to destabilize the EU. Poland has argued that these countries are deliberately pushing migrants across its borders to create chaos within the EU.
The summit marked a turning point in the EU’s migration strategy, with many leaders calling for accelerated efforts to deport migrants who are not eligible to stay in the bloc and to process asylum applications outside of Europe. This approach, aimed at strengthening the EU’s image as a “Fortress Europe,” reflects a growing consensus that the current migration policies are unsustainable.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted the shift in sentiment among EU leaders, stating, “Things are changing in the European Union. Now the majority of leaders are saying the same: that we cannot continue. The numbers are too high. We have to return those who should not be protected in Europe.”
This hardening stance on migration stands in stark contrast to the EU’s response to the 2015 migration crisis, when over a million refugees and migrants, mainly from the Middle East and Afghanistan, sought asylum in Europe. At the time, German Chancellor Angela Merkel famously declared, “We can manage that,” in defense of accepting large numbers of refugees. Now, however, the mood has shifted significantly, with many leaders advocating for policies that would have been politically unacceptable just a few years ago.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, whose government is led by far-right politician Geert Wilders, reflected on the changing political landscape, saying, “We see that there is a different mood in Europe.” Schoof’s comments come as the far-right continues to gain traction across the EU, including in countries like Germany and Austria, where recent polls have shown significant support for parties that advocate for tougher immigration controls.
Poland’s call to suspend asylum rights has garnered particular attention, as it is seen as a direct response to Russia’s war against Ukraine and the subsequent destabilization of Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron supported Poland’s concerns, describing the situation as “migration manipulation to destabilize a country.” He added that this tactic, used by state actors like Russia and Belarus, has led to what are being called “hybrid attacks” on EU borders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these concerns, emphasizing that EU member states, particularly those on the bloc’s eastern front, such as Poland, Finland, and the Baltic nations, must be able to protect the union from such attacks. “These are hybrid attacks by state actors, and therefore Poland and other member states need to be able to protect our union,” von der Leyen said.
Despite broad support for stricter migration controls, the summit also highlighted persistent divisions within the EU over how to handle migration. Plans to process asylum seekers outside Europe and to create a mechanism for burden-sharing among member states continue to face opposition, particularly from countries like Hungary and Poland, which have rejected calls for mandatory quotas for accepting migrants.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who faces growing pressure from far-right parties at home, also acknowledged the challenges of managing migration. “One thing is clear: Irregular migration needs to be reduced,” he said, while also warning that the bloc should remain open to skilled migration to address labor shortages and support its aging population. “It is true that not just everyone can come and stay, and that we can choose who comes,” Scholz added.
The EU is also exploring innovative solutions, such as outsourcing asylum applications. Italy, for example, recently opened two centers in Albania to process asylum seekers outside its borders. Dutch Prime Minister Schoof suggested that his government is considering Uganda as a location for similar outsourcing efforts. “These are innovative solutions that should, in principle, interest our colleagues here,” Schoof said.
However, the deep divisions among EU member states over how to share the burden of handling migrants make it unlikely that any swift, decisive action will be taken. Despite the growing momentum for stricter migration controls, many leaders acknowledged that it will take months to develop and implement a coordinated, bloc-wide approach to the issue.
