On October 18, 2023, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly called for increased and improved European collaboration

regarding asylum procedures. They made these remarks during a press conference, which included the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who was in Belgium to pay tribute to the victims of a recent shooting incident in Brussels.

De Croo emphasized the need for stronger controls at external borders, as well as the necessity for the effective expulsion of those who have exhausted all legal remedies. Achieving this goal requires enhanced agreements with countries of origin and transit. De Croo underscored that merely asking individuals to leave the territory is insufficient.

The press conference chiefly addressed a key shortcoming in European asylum policy, which is the lack of tools and mechanisms for the effective deportation of individuals who have received orders to leave a country. De Croo stressed the importance of stronger agreements with third countries and added that increased conditionality was needed. He mentioned that although significant investments are made in neighboring countries, these should not be unconditional. Europe must assume its responsibilities but only if the other side reciprocates.

Von der Leyen complemented this perspective by emphasizing the need for Europe to negotiate as a united front to exert more influence. She noted that collectively, European countries can wield greater influence and must define who can come to the EU and under what terms. Moreover, von der Leyen suggested that European countries should conduct more joint deportation operations, whether under the aegis of Frontex or other arrangements.

Kristersson clarified that he was not holding Belgium responsible for the recent attack. He pointed out that Sweden was grappling with a similar issue, where many individuals are denied asylum and subsequently resist leaving the country. He stressed that it was incumbent upon such individuals to comply, emphasizing that being unwavering in safeguarding democracy also meant unwavering commitment to security.

Belgium, as the president of the European Council, will soon face the challenges of asylum and migration within the European context. De Croo emphasized that the negotiations regarding the European migration pact would be finalized early next year. Photo by Mstyslav Chernov, Wikimedia commons.