Brussels – Nineteen member states of the European Union, led by Belgium, along with non-member Norway, are striving for the voluntary or enforced return of Afghan migrants who do not meet residency requirements or face criminal prosecution. This follows from a letter to European Commissioner Magnus Brunnerwhich was highlighted by the Euractiv server. Among the signatories from twenty governments is also the Czech Minister of the Interior Welcome Austrian.
“It is time for a decisive and coordinated response so that the EU can regain control over migration and our security,” said Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt to Euractiv. In addition to the Czech Republic and Belgium, the signatories also include representatives from Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Greece, Slovakia, and Sweden. The letter was also signed by Norwegian Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansenwhose country, although not an EU member, is closely linked to the union, including the Schengen area without internal borders.
The countries urgently request the European Commission (EC) to allow the return of Afghans who do not have a legal right to reside in the EU, especially if they are considered a threat to public order. The letter further calls for closer coordination between the EC, the European External Action Service, and willing EU countries. It also proposes a joint EU mission in Afghanistan. It claims that the EU can no longer afford inaction.
The countries also propose that the EU border agency Frontex be more involved in organizing returns through the EU reintegration program. Currently, the costs are borne by the governments themselves, which, according to the letter, has led to a fragmented and costly process. The mandate of the Frontex agency is to be reviewed in 2026. (October 18)
