Commissioner Magnus Brunner
Good afternoon,
We are on the path towards the largest ever reform to EU asylum and migration policy. And with todays proposal we are delivering on another element of the Pact on Asylum and Migration.
The Pact is not perfect, and we added some missing pieces early this mandate with our proposals on returns, the safe third country concept, and the safe country of origin list.
With these reforms, we are getting back control of what is happening in the European Union.
And these reforms are badly needed because there is growing frustration, and a sense that our rules are being ignored.
We need to restore trust – between Member States and by EU citizens.
That is exactly what the reform is about, to restore trust, and to restore control.
And we see this happening in real time. Almost one month ago today, we successfully launched the Entry/Exit System in all 29 Schengen Member States.
And in this first month, we already registered over 4 million entries and exits and almost 3 million third country nationals.
With the EES, we know who enters the EU, when, and where. It is the digital backbone of our migration and asylum reform.
And today, we take another important step down that path by launching the first Annual Migration Management Cycle.
First let me say a few words on the Report.
The momentum is on our side: illegal crossings into the EU are down 35% this year.
This is a result of the work we have put in with our international partners – working along migratory routes outside our borders.
This approach is working and we must continue with it.
The Report also shows that Member States are making good progress towards implementing the Pact by June next year, and we will support the Member States to make sure that everyone is ready by then.
Now let me address the launch of the Annual Migration Management Cycle.
It is the result of the work of many experts here in the Berlaymont and also the national capitals.
And it is the starting point for having a facts-based European approach to migration.
One that ensures that no EU country should be left to face heavy pressure on their own.
In one way or another, all will benefit from the Pact.
With todays proposal, we ensure that responsibility and solidarity are advancing together – a symmetry that lies at the centre of the Pact.
With the Solidarity mechanism, we will have a balanced system of support.
Where it is for the Member States to decide what their contributions can be.
The determination of who will have access to solidarity in the first cycle is included in todays proposal.
It follows the methodology set out in the Pact.
Overall, I would say the results reflect three major trends.
First, the pressure of illegal crossings along the Mediterranean Routes.
Second, the support Member States have shown to Ukraine, in the form of temporary protection.
And third, we are enhancing our preparedness for those Member States that are facing challenges in their reception systems or face the threat of weaponisation of migration.
But let me make one thing very clear: all Member States are feeling the pressure from illegal migration in various forms.
Todays proposal is only one part of the reforms under the Pact.
And our focus now must be on keeping arrival figures down.
Stepping up returns of those with no right to stay.
Agreeing on the proposals for new rules on return and implementing the safe country of origin and safe third country principles.
And building partnerships with third countries that align with the EUs strategic interests.
