European officials are advocating for a strengthened, coordinated approach to managing migration flows, with particular emphasis on bolstering security at the EU’s external borders. Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People’s Party and Deputy Chairman of the CSU, has proposed the deployment of national police forces from within Europe to reinforce border control operations at the EU’s periphery. Weber stated that redirecting officers currently stationed at internal borders could significantly enhance external border protection, potentially allowing for a gradual reduction of border controls within the EU.
The discussion is framed around the need for a unified European solution to address migration, moving away from national approaches. This includes consideration of models like conducting asylum procedures in third-party countries, referencing the example of Albania. Rapid implementation of standardized asylum procedures across Europe is also prioritized.
Central to the strategy is enhanced cooperation with Mediterranean nations to dismantle human trafficking networks. The urgency of strengthening Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, has been underscored, with recommendations to expand its workforce to at least 30,000 personnel, including a high proportion of specialized personnel from nations like Germany.
The potential timeline for ending border rejections of asylum seekers remains a contentious issue. Some German politicians believe that the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (GEAS), slated for summer 2026, will not immediately resolve the situation and that rejections may continue for an indefinite period. The functionality of external border security is being cited as a prerequisite for ending these rejections.
One politician even suggested that significantly reduced irregular migration-a reduction to under 100,000 entrants-is necessary to ensure citizens perceive a tangible improvement in everyday life, affecting areas like public swimming pools, kindergartens and schools. This perspective has subtly reintroduced the concept of asylum caps into the debate.
It is important to note that terms like “illegal migration” “irregular migration” and “undocumented migration” are frequently used interchangeably. Upon arrival in Germany, asylum seekers are initially classified as having entered the country without authorization, but they retain the right to apply for asylum and access protections under the Geneva Refugee Convention. Successful asylum applications ultimately lead to legal residency status.
Brussel anticipates that Germany will cease border rejections of asylum seekers by the introduction of GEAS in June 2026.