The European Union (EU) has introduced new steps to help member countries handle migration challenges at their eastern borders. The bloc is boosting its defenses against what it calls “hybrid threats” from Russia and Belarus.
Leaders emphasized that these measures are needed to safeguard European security and uphold international law.
EU funds boost to strengthen border defense
The European Commission has allocated €170 million to strengthen security at the EU’s external borders, especially those near Russia and Belarus.
The funding will go to six countries—Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Norway—to improve electronic surveillance, communications, and other border technologies.
Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, will receive €50 million to upgrade its border defenses.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of this support.
“We must ensure that autocrats cannot use our values against us. Strengthening our borders is essential for our security and territorial integrity,” she said.
Eastern EU countries allowed to restrict asylum rights
Member states can now enforce stricter asylum rules when migration is used as a political weapon. These rules let countries restrict asylum rights in exceptional, temporary, and proportionate cases.
European leaders argued that these steps are needed to address the “weaponization of migration” by Russia and Belarus.
This decision comes after a 66% rise in irregular crossings at the EU-Belarus border compared to last year. Many of these migrants have Russian tourist or student visas, leading to concerns about organized efforts to destabilize Europe.
Human rights organizations criticize stricter border policies
Human rights groups have criticized stricter border policies. In Lithuania, border guards have reportedly pushed back migrants over 22,900 times since 2021.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have expressed concern about the humanitarian impact, pointing to reports of forced pushbacks and injuries.
Poland has faced accusations of excessive force, including the use of rubber bullets and dogs against migrants. These claims underscore the ethical challenge of balancing security with respect for human rights.
Heightened border controls to impact travelers, migrants
Tighter border rules will affect both travelers and migrants. Short-term visitors will face stricter checks at entry points, and asylum seekers will encounter more obstacles.
The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will introduce extra checks for visa-exempt travelers. Migrants fleeing persecution may struggle to reach EU countries, as their cases will face stricter legal standards.
Shift toward security-focused EU immigration policies
The EU’s stricter border rules show a shift toward a more security-focused immigration policy. These changes prioritize territorial integrity over asylum rights in specific cases.
However, they reveal disagreements within the bloc, as some countries push for stronger humanitarian protections.
These policies could influence other regions facing similar issues, shaping the EU’s long-term migration approach. Member states must work together to apply these measures consistently and legally.
Balancing EU values, border security challenges
Europe faces the challenge of balancing security with compassion as migration tensions rise. The EU’s latest measures show the complexity of dealing with migration as both a human rights issue and a political strategy.
The key question for the EU is this: How can it secure its borders without betraying its values? This remains a difficult issue for policymakers and citizens to address.v