Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Vienna. The two politicians discussed migration, among other things. According to Kristersson, two years ago there was a “paradigm shift” in Sweden that led to a decrease in the number of migrants.
“Unconventional approaches” are also needed when it comes to repatriation and the selection of safe third countries, Kristersson said. His country is supporting the Italian government at the European Court of Human Rights to redefine the definition of safe third countries. Currently, states must guarantee the human rights of the population to be considered safe.
“You have to make changes that people expect,” Kristersson said. The Swedish Prime Minister has led a conservative-liberal government since October 2022. Last year there was the lowest number of asylum applications in many years.
According to a conversation with Magnus Brunner, the new EU Commissioner for Migration, the European Commission will present a new regulation on return centers in March. Anyone who receives a negative asylum decision is no longer allowed to stay in the European Union.
Strategy needed for Africa
Chancellor Nehammer thanked his Swedish colleague for his country’s efforts to solve the migration problem together with Austria. It is a “matter of fate for the entire EU”. This depends, for example, on whether right-wing populists continue to gain popularity. A new strategy for the Western Balkans and Africa is currently necessary.
More must be done against illegal immigration. In the EU, the previous distinction between states with external borders and internal states has been overcome. “We’re all in this together,” Nehammer said Thursday.
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.
