European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of Europe’s asylum system
Acknowledging that Europe has demonstrated significant responsibility in recent years, Brunner stated to Politico that efforts have lacked a sustainable framework “That’s why we urgently need to launch and implement this reform of the migration and asylum system – the major reform” he emphasized
While recognizing the progress made by the EU Migration Pact – which he asserts provides the first real opportunity for improved management of asylum and migration – Brunner is calling for a significantly strengthened system of returns He expressed concern over the low rate of actual deportations, stating, “It cannot be that only one in five people with an existing return order actually end up being returned
Brunner also offered a reflective assessment of previous migration policies, subtly distancing himself from the approach taken during Angela Merkel’s tenure “With the benefit of hindsight, one is always more likely to appear successful than beforehand” he commented