BRUSSELS - Member states of the European Union are moving closer to tightening migration policies. Ministers of the Interior and representatives of the member states agreed on a new statement during a meeting of the EU Council, which aims to accelerate and streamline the deportation of unsuccessful asylum seekers and migrants residing illegally within the European Union. According to European officials, the main goal is to strengthen the protection of external borders and reduce irregular migration.

The new statement builds upon the already approved EU migration pact, which provides for faster processing of asylum applications, more effective identification of migrants, and better cooperation between member states. The possibility of establishing return centers outside the EU is also being discussed, where migrants who do not qualify for asylum would be transferred. According to the European Commission, the current return system is not functioning effectively enough. EU statistics show that a significant number of individuals who have been denied asylum remain within the European territory. The newly proposed measures are intended to simplify the entire process and strengthen cooperation with the countries of origin of the migrants.

The Czech Republic has long supported a stricter approach. Czech governments have repeatedly emphasized the need for better border protection and faster returns of migrants who do not meet the requirements for residency in the European Union. Prime Minister Petr Fiala has previously stated that migration policy must primarily be a matter of security and European coordination. The new statement comes at a time of continued pressure on the EU's southern borders. Countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain have been facing a consistently high number of migrants arriving from North Africa and the Middle East. European institutions are therefore seeking ways to prevent a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis.

Critics of the proposal point out that stricter rules could lead to a reduction in the rights of asylum seekers and increased pressure on humanitarian organizations. Some non-governmental organizations are also warning against shifting responsibility to third countries outside the European Union. The European Parliament and the member states will now continue negotiations on the specific details of the new rules. If a final agreement is reached, the new measures could come into effect in the coming years.

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