Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson urged the European Union to take stronger action on irregular migration during a meeting in Vienna marking 30 years of EU membership for both countries. The leaders called for stricter border controls, more efficient deportation processes, and the establishment of “return hubs” to handle migrants whose asylum applications are denied.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson met in Vienna to discuss the pressing issue of irregular migration, emphasizing the need for decisive European Union action. Their meeting, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of their countries’ EU membership, saw the leaders call for enhanced border security and more effective systems to deport migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected.
The issue of migration continues to be a focal point for the EU, significantly impacting elections and contributing to the rise of far-right parties across the continent. Both leaders stressed that the EU must take a stronger stance on migration management to address the growing challenges.
Call for “Return Hubs” to Expedite Deportations
During the meeting, Kristersson proposed the creation of “return hubs” to streamline the deportation process for irregular migrants, with plans to submit the proposal to the EU by spring. The idea had previously been discussed during an EU leaders’ summit in October and was welcomed by both leaders as a practical solution to the growing migration issue.
“We share a willingness to find real solutions, not just discuss complexities,” Kristersson stated, highlighting the need for tangible results. Nehammer echoed this sentiment, praising Sweden for being a steadfast ally in addressing illegal migration and underscoring the importance of their joint efforts to prioritize the issue within the EU framework.
A Milestone in EU Membership: 30 Years of Austria, Sweden, and Finland in the EU
The meeting also celebrated the 30th anniversary of Austria, Sweden, and Finland’s accession to the European Union, which expanded the EU membership to 15 countries. These nations, all neutral during the Cold War, pursued EU membership in the 1980s due to economic challenges and the desire to access the single market.
Despite facing hurdles during the accession process, including debates over agriculture, regional aid, and fishing quotas, the three countries secured EU membership through public referendums. Austria and Finland saw clear approval, while Sweden narrowly voted in favor. Norway, however, rejected membership.
This anniversary underscores the lasting significance of their decision to join the EU, marking a pivotal moment in the bloc’s expansion and its ongoing impact on European integration.
As the EU grapples with the ongoing challenge of irregular migration, the calls from Austria and Sweden’s leaders for stronger action are timely. With the proposal for return hubs and a shared commitment to finding practical solutions, Nehammer and Kristersson are pushing for meaningful steps to manage migration more effectively. Their meeting also highlights the continued significance of the 30-year journey of Austria, Sweden, and Finland within the EU, a period marked by economic collaboration and political unity.
