03/14/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/14/2023 08:51
Today, the Commission adopted a Communication which presents the strategic framework for European integrated border management (EIBM) for 5 years and a Recommendation to Member States on the mutual recognition of return decisions and expedite returns. In its extraordinary meeting on 9 February 2023, the European Council reiterated the importance of ensuring effective control of the EU's external land and sea borders as part of a comprehensive approach to migration. Ahead of the next European Council meeting that will take stock on the situation, the Commission delivers through these initiatives on some of the key actions set out in President von der Leyen's letter and in the European Council Conclusions of 9 February.
Effective European integrated border management
With this Communication, the Commission sets out the first-ever multiannual strategic policy cycle on European integrated border management for the next 5 years.
This is the result of an extensive consultation process between institutions, leading to a shared vision on external border management. It provides a coordinated framework for national authorities managing the border, as well as for over 120,000 officers of national border authorities and Frontex, steering their daily work. The key priorities of the Strategy have 15 essential components, such as:
Strengthening cooperation on mutual recognition of return decisions and expediting returns
An effective EU system for returns is a central part of a well-functioning migration and asylum system, and of the comprehensive approach outlined in the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. It can also have a deterrent effect on unsafe and irregular migration, helping prevent the exploitation of migrants by breaking the business model of criminal smuggling networks and promoting safe legal pathways.
With today's Recommendation, the Commission provides guidance on the implementation of the mutual recognition of return decisions closing a loophole in the return acquis. It also updates previous guidance provided by the Commission in 2017 on returns and supports Member States in facilitating and accelerating returns.
Building blocks include:
Next steps
On the EIBM, Frontex has 6 months to translate this strategic direction into an operational and technical strategy. Member States have 12 months to update their national strategies.
The Commission will work closely to support Member States in the operational implementation of these actions. An evaluation of the EIBM strategic policy is foreseen in 4 years from now to define a new multi-annual policy cycle in 2027. The Commission will also carry out an evaluation of the Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard this year.
On returns, to monitor the implementation of the Recommendation, Member States will report annually to the Commission, including on the number of mutually recognised return decisions of other Member States.
Dedicated funding will be provided under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and Border Management and Visa Instrument, in particular for mutual recognition of return decisions and to better equip border and coast guards for an effective protection of the external borders. Additional support will be given for the implementation of the Recommendation on returns, together with operational and technical support from our Agencies.
Background
The EIBM Communication is an obligation under the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Regulation. It builds on the policy document adopted by the Commission on 24 May 2022, on which both the Council and the European Parliament provided input. This comprehensive strategy shares a common vision, across EU institutions, outlining our work at the external borders. The Strategic Risk Analysis provided by Frontex was also reflected into the priorities and guidelines of this Communication. It is accompanied by two Annexes, each containing key actions.
The Recommendation on returns upgrades the 2017 Recommendation on making return procedures more effective and complements the Operational strategy for more effective returns, from January 2023.
For more information
Communication establishing the multiannual strategic policy for European integrated border management + Annex I and Annex II
Commission Recommendation* on mutual recognition of return decisions and expediting returns when implementing the Directive 2008/115/EC
EU Action Plan for the Central Mediterranean
EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans
*This text is a draft approved in principle and its formal adoption will take place later on.
Strong external borders are an essential part of our comprehensive approach to migration and asylum, and the cornerstone of our Security Union. With today's first-ever multiannual European Integrated Border Management Strategy, we make sure that all Member States' and Frontex activities - from border surveillance to anti-smuggling to returns - are guided by the same set of common principles and produce results on the ground. Together with our recommendations for improving the efficiency and mutual recognition of return decisions, we are creating much more than an operational framework. We are building step-by-step a common EU culture of migration management
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life - 14/03/2023
These proposals are about continuing to develop migration and asylum management that is fully functioning. The European Integrated Border Management Strategy and the Recommendation on mutual recognition of returns decisions and expediting returns will help achieve that functionality. Using inter-agency and technological tools allows us to manage our shared external border and to track and expedite returns decisions more accurately. This will give more credibility on returns rates. That way we can build trust to deliver on all aspects of migration management, including sustainable legal pathways
Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs - 14/03/2023