Renew Europe welcomes the presentation of the European Commission’s first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy.
This sets out a five-year framework to support the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and unite Member States. However, Renew Europe urges for clearer benchmarks and more precise figures to allow for proper monitoring of progress.
Europe does not need another round of negotiations, we needs implementation, despite far-right opposition. Reopening the Pact only creates legal uncertainty, delayed solutions and weaker migration management in a humane and credible way.
The current decline in irregular migration to the EU is a result of concrete European action: stronger external border management, closer cooperation with partner countries and coordinated implementation of rules.
Managing migration together works, it is not political theatre. Fabienne Keller MEP (Renaissance, FR) spoke on this:
“Irregular migration is down substantially, and that did not happen by chance. It happened because Europe acted together. Those who want to reopen or dismantle the Pact, which has not totally entered into application, are not offering solutions, they are offering delay and division. What Europe needs now is firm rules, fair responsibility-sharing and full implementation.”
Renew Europe welcomes this firm but fair approach, combining effective border management and solidarity between Member States with respect for fundamental rights and a focus on labour and talent mobility. Keller added:
“As an ageing continent, Europe needs legal migration. If we want to sustain our economies, our public services and our competitiveness, we must expand legal pathways, attract skills and ensure proper integration. Migration policy is not only about control, it is also about opportunity.”
Renew Europe stresses that Member States must prioritise integration. Managing migration does not end at the border. Access to language training, education, housing and the labour market is crucial for social cohesion and economic contribution.
Innovation cannot come at the expense of rights. Digital tools and AI must be used transparently to improve efficiency and consistency while remaining under democratic control and compliant with EU law.
Worryingly, the Strategy increasingly refers to “illegal migration” rather than “irregular migration”. The latter is the terminology used in the Pact and reflects legal realities: a person may enter the EU irregularly and still be entitled to international protection.
Finally, Renew Europe stresses that a credible migration policy must combine firm action against irregular migration with the development of well-managed legal pathways that Europe needs.
Renew Europe will continue to support swift and faithful implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, resist attempts to reopen settled legislation and work constructively to ensure that Europe’s migration policy is humane and future-proof.