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Belgian Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt will call for stronger European external borders, an expanded role for the EU border agency Frontex and more effective returns of migrants during a meeting in Munich on Saturday, Belga News Agency reported.
Representatives from 18 EU and non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, are expected to attend the Munich Migration Meeting. The gathering comes ahead of a European Commission proposal on migration expected at the end of October.
Calls for a stronger Frontex role
Van Bossuyt, a member of Belgium’s N-VA party, said Europe needed to respond more quickly and decisively at its external borders to limit irregular migration.
“If we want to get illegal migration under control, Europe must be able to act more swiftly and decisively at its external borders to prevent people from gaining unrestricted access to European territory,” she said in a statement.
She also argued that people who do not have the right to remain in Europe must be returned effectively, saying Frontex should have a greater role in the process.
Pressure on non-EU countries
The meeting will also examine ways to encourage non-EU countries to readmit their nationals who are not allowed to stay in Europe.
Van Bossuyt said the European Union should be prepared to use its economic and diplomatic leverage. Possible measures could involve visas, trade and development aid if countries refuse to cooperate, she said.
Migration pact review
Ministers are also due to discuss responses to sudden pressure on the EU’s external borders and the implementation of the European Asylum and Migration Pact, which came into force on June 12.
Van Bossuyt supports reviewing the pact after its first year, in June 2027, to identify bottlenecks and simplify rules where necessary.
“The Migration Pact was an important first step, but it is not the end,” she said.
