In addition to the main topic of Ukraine at the EU summit in Brussels, EU heads of state and government also agreed on a compromise on migration policy. They want to focus more on better protection of the external borders. There is no money for a fence, but that is only a “philosophical discussion”, said Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) on Friday.
Instead of money for the fence that Nehammer so vehemently demanded, the EU wants to improve infrastructure at the borders in the form of cameras, vehicles or more personnel. Nehammer still sees the result as a success, as he explained in the ORF “ZiB2”.
It is important that the migration issue is back on the EU agenda and that it can be discussed at eye level. Whether technical aids such as fences, cars or other measures make sense is just a “philosophical discussion” anyway, Nehammer continued.
Targeted support for Bulgaria
To criticism that the fence he had so vehemently requested was not included in the joint statement, he replied: “It’s not even about not building a fence.” All in all, several measures are needed to combat illegal migration, crime and people smuggling, Nehammer emphasized again.
For example, Bulgaria is now being consciously supported in expanding border security: all the costs the country saves as a result could eventually also be used to build the fence – the expensive project to repair the “fragmentary fence” there is too expensive, according to Nehammer. Close. estimated at around two billion euros.
More honesty was demanded
There is now a clear commitment to securing the external borders, Nehammer said with satisfaction after the summit. All in all, the debate is mainly about fairness. On the one hand by the countries of origin, which could be cut off from EU funds in the future if they oppose repatriation agreements, but on the other hand also within the EU.
Once the external borders are secured, the distribution of refugees in Europe can be discussed in a fair way, the Chancellor promised.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
