Many people are currently returning to Europe via the Balkan route. States like Serbia should now correct their visa policy.
The main topic at yesterday’s meeting of interior ministers as part of the “Berlin Process” was clear in advance in light of the high number of asylum seekers: the fight against human smuggling has “top priority”, emphasized Austria’s representative, Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), in the German capital . According to the Ministry of the Interior, more and more countries would support the Austrian position for strict EU external border protection, a consistent return policy and the fight against the smuggling mafia. The annual meeting brings together high-level representatives from the EU Member States, the Western Balkans and the Commission. “We need unity when dealing with illegal migration,” demands Karner.
The talks yesterday focused in particular on tightening visas for the Western Balkan countries in relation to third countries such as India or Tunisia: The airport in Belgrade, Serbia, for example, has developed into a hub for entry into the EU via the Western Balkans, because citizens from these countries are still visa-free in Serbia is applicable. The government wants to tighten the rules at the end of the year.
Criticism of Slovakia
Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser – who hosted yesterday’s meeting – praised working with neighboring EU countries to limit the rising numbers of refugees crossing the Balkan route. “I have a very good cooperation with the Czech Republic and Austria, because there were a lot of arrivals in Germany via the two countries,” said the SPD politician.
However, the minister criticized Slovakia. A massive increase in trafficking crime is being registered, she stressed. It was therefore agreed with Vienna and Prague that both EU neighboring countries would introduce stationary border controls with Slovakia. It must be ensured that people apply for asylum in the Member State in which they enter the European Union (“Dublin” system). According to Faeser, it is not acceptable to send on asylum seekers.
Triple the number of asylum seekers
There was a massive increase in asylum applications in Austria this year: According to asylum statistics published yesterday, 71,885 applications were made by the end of September, almost three times as many as in the first nine months of 2021. Most applications come from people from Afghanistan (around 16,500) and Syria (12,500). After that, however, there are already applicants from India (11,500), Tunisia (almost 8,900) and Pakistan (6,900) who have no chance of asylum. Not included in these asylum statistics are the war expellees from Ukraine, around 56,000 of whom are currently in Austria. They fall under the EU directive “temporary protection”.
The foreign ministers of the participating countries are meeting in Berlin today. Alexander Schallenberg will also be present.
(Ag.)