As migration pressures increase in Europe, leaders from Slovakia, Hungary, and Serbia are pushing for a joint regional approach.

At a recent meeting, they voiced concerns that current European Union (EU) policies are not enough to address irregular migration and called for closer cooperation between their countries.

Leaders question effectiveness of EU solutions

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met in Komárno to discuss irregular migration. They pointed to instability and conflicts near Europe as key causes of the migration crisis. 

The leaders criticized the EU’s current efforts, including the migrant redistribution plan, calling it ineffective.

Fico stressed the importance of working together on border security, stating that “the EU does not need redistribution of migrants or mandatory quotas but measures in cooperation with countries that want to jointly protect their external borders.”

Serbia’s EU membership and regional cooperation

The leaders emphasized Serbia’s importance in regional cooperation, with Fico expressing hope for Serbia’s EU membership.

They see this as a way to strengthen ties between the Western Balkans and EU countries, especially in addressing migration issues.

Vučić confirmed his support for Serbia joining the EU, showing the country’s commitment to this shared effort.

(Image courtesy of David_Peterson via Pixabay)

Western Balkans bear migration burden

The migration route through the Western Balkans remains a major pressure point. The leaders noted that countries in this region, especially Serbia, carry an unfair share of the load.

Their main goals are to protect the Schengen Area and improve border control. They also emphasized the need to return irregular migrants while keeping the free movement of people and goods within the EU and Western Balkans.

Stricter border controls ahead

Stronger border controls and regional measures could affect travel and migration for short-term visitors and migrants in the future.

Starting in 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require non-EU travelers to get pre-authorization before entering the Schengen Zone.

Along with stricter border controls, this may lead to more regulated entry into the EU.

The proposals also indicate that long-term migrants and asylum seekers might face more challenges as the EU and its regional partners toughen their stance on irregular migration.

Serbia’s potential EU membership could also influence how migration policies change across Europe.

(Image courtesy of Leonhard Lenz via Wikimedia Commons)

A policy showdown with the EU?

The position of Fico, Orbán, and Vučić signals increasing regional resistance to EU-imposed migration quotas. Hungary, for example, has already pushed back by easing work visa rules for Russian and Belarusian citizens.

These actions suggest a possible conflict with EU policies focused on managing migration collectively.

If regional leaders keep pushing for more control over migration, EU immigration policies may have to adjust, potentially leading to more debates about sovereignty and cooperation.

Striking a balance on migration

The call for regional cooperation on migration highlights the increasing challenges at Europe’s borders. As migration pressures persist, finding a balance between national sovereignty and collective EU solutions will be key.

The leaders’ discussions reflect growing frustration with current EU policies, signaling a need for more region-specific approaches that address both security and humanitarian issues.

How these debates evolve could shape Europe’s migration strategy for years to come.