Brussels: The European Commission on Thursday introduced the European Union's first comprehensive strategy on asylum and migration, establishing a unified policy framework and a five-year roadmap to tackle one of the bloc's most challenging issues. The strategy aims to create a migration system that is both firm and fair, rooted in European values and respectful of fundamental rights.
According to Emirates News Agency, the strategy is built upon three main objectives: reducing irregular migration and breaking down criminal smuggling networks; ensuring protection for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution while preventing exploitation of the asylum system; and attracting skilled talent to enhance the EU's economic competitiveness.
The European Commission outlines five priority areas for this strategy. These include enhancing migration diplomacy through effective partnerships with third countries and stepping up efforts against migrant smuggling; strengthening external borders with advanced digital systems like the Entry/Exit System and ETIAS; developing a fair, flexible asylum and migration framework based on reforms under the European Pact on Migration and Asylum; streamlining return and readmission procedures; and creating better pathways for legal migration to address labor market demands.
The Commission emphasized that the new strategy is aimed at providing a coherent and sustainable approach to migration management throughout the European Union.