Against migration: 12 EU countries are calling for “physical barriers” at external borders
The EU legal framework must be changed in such a way that “attempts to instrumentalize illegal migration with political goals and other hybrid threats” can be adequately addressed, according to a letter from twelve interior ministers to the responsible EU commissioners. “Physical barriers appear to be an effective border control measure that serves the interests of the entire EU.”
The countries demand that these should be “in addition and appropriately from the EU budget”. The letter was sent to EU Interior Commissioner Ylva Johansson and Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas on the day before the EU Interior Ministers’ meeting on Friday in Luxembourg and is available to the German Press Agency.
No signature by Germany, France or Spain
The twelve ministers’ demands refer to the situation on the border between Belarus and the EU states Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. The Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko is accused of bringing migrants from crisis regions to the EU’s external border in an organized manner and thus destabilizing the international community. Poland, Lithuania and Latvia have already reacted with increased border protection.
Surf tip: Belarus – Lukashenko: This is how Europe’s last dictator ticks
Germany, France, Spain and other countries where the files of the asylum applications are filed did not sign the letter. Instead, Hungary, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark are included.