Can Europe finally take back control of its borders?

Citizens across Europe expect the EU to get migration under control in a way that is firm, fair, and credible. The EPP Group is committed to delivering just that. With a crucial vote approaching in the European Parliament on more effective rules to counter illegal migration and increase returns, the S&D Group is once again on the path of obstruction. Now is not the time for political games that risk undermining Europe´s ability to act - and citizens’ trust.

The EPP Group is leading the push for much-needed reform of Europe´s common migration rules. After years of political deadlock at EU level, we secured an agreement on the Asylum and Migration Pact to regain control over our external borders and reduce the migration pressure towards the EU. This was an important step forward, but challenges remain - especially ensuring that those without the right to stay are actually returned. When only one in five illegal migrants return, the rules must change.

We have called for additional measures and now concrete proposals are on the table. In the European Parliament, the EPP is pushing for the adoption of two key proposals: one to strengthen the EU system for returns, and another to make it easier to reject unfounded asylum applications from safe countries. These measures are essential to speed up the implementation of the Migration Pact and close loopholes that continue to be exploited. 

Yet the S&D Group are doing everything possible to block these proposals from going through, joining forces with the Greens and the left to reject the reforms. In doing so, they show their unwillingness to confront the real challenges posed by illegal migration with concrete and effective measures.

Europe´s migration challenges cannot be met with obstruction or empty political posturing. The time to act decisively is now. Anything less is a failure of responsibility that Europe cannot afford.