BRUSSELS, Jan 29 (KUNA) -- The European Union unveiled on Thursday a new strategy for managing migration and asylum, in a move to strengthening control over migration flows.
European Commissioner for Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen said at a press conference that the new strategy represents a clear five-year political roadmap, and focuses on three balanced objectives: preventing irregular migration and dismantling smuggling networks, protecting those in need of protection, and attracting skills and talent to address labor shortages and enhance Europe's competitiveness.
Virkkunen explained that the strategy is based on proactive and preventive migration diplomacy, by strengthening cooperation with partner countries along migration routes before migrants reach the European Union's borders, and linking migration management with visa policies, trade, and financial assistance, with the aim of reducing emergency solutions and increasing control over flows.
She also stressed that the European Union will strengthen control over its external borders through the use of advanced digital systems, including the Entry/Exit System and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), along with applying mandatory screening procedures for all irregular arrivals starting from next June, as part of implementing the new Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Virkkunen pointed to the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of return and deportation procedures, noting that the current return rate does not exceed one quarter of those who have received departure orders. The new measures include the establishment of a unified European return system, with faster digital processes and external return hubs in cooperation with partner countries, to ensure efficiency while respecting migrants' dignity.
Regarding visas, Virkkunen announced the adoption of the principle of "conditional privilege," whereby visa-free access will be linked to partner countries' compliance with their obligations, including the readmission of their irregular nationals, with the possibility of immediately suspending visa exemptions in case of non-compliance. The strategy also includes facilitations for students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers, the opening of Legal Gateway Offices in strategic countries such as India, as well as special pathways for start-up visas.
The European Parliament is currently examining a legal text submitted by the European Commission that allows for the establishment of so called "return hubs" outside the European Union's borders. (end) arn.hb