EU heads of state and government disagreed over the demand for EU-funded border fences. “It would be a shame if a wall was built in Europe with the European stars on it,” Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said. In contrast, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he was “absolutely” in favor of EU-funded fences.
“It doesn’t make sense for the EU to pay for technology, drones and surveillance, but not for the fences themselves,” Mitsotakis said. Bettel countered that a wall never solved the problem. Even the wall between Mexico and America “brought nothing”. Moreover, a wall would always only be part of a fortification. “Where’s the next step?” He would rather have the money for development aid and other programs. A wall would be “a bad sign”.
The EU repatriation policy has failed
Mitsotakis stressed that the European Union’s repatriation policy had failed, that better European coordination and more efficient border control were needed. This is not only a question of secondary movements, but also of the number of arrivals. “Fences must be included in the financing package,” demanded the Greek prime minister. At least Greece is building its own fence – with or without European money.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) has also renewed his demands for EU funding for border surveillance at the EU’s external borders. Resources should be made available. Whether some say fences, others say technical infrastructure – what matters is helping Bulgaria,” Nehammer said. In addition to Greece, he also received support from the Netherlands and Italy.
“Europe must offer condolences at its external borders”
Asked about Nehammer’s €2 billion demand for the Bulgarian-Turkish border fence, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said: “You need different tools depending on the different borders.” She’s committed to the southern frontier. “Europe must control its external borders.” She agrees with everything that helps curb illegal migration.
Germany is rather cautious when it comes to the fence issue
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed reservations about the issue of border fences. There is good overall wording in the summit statement, he said. There is talk of mobilizing EU funds to increase border control, infrastructure and surveillance capacity, but not fences.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
