Brussels, Belgium, 10 February 2023 —  At yesterday’s European Council meeting, EU leaders agreed to channel “substantial” funds into guards and frontier surveillance equipment at Europe’s borders. They also agreed to intensify cooperation with third countries to increase returns, strengthen border management, and prevent departures.

Niamh Nic Carthaigh, IRC Director of EU Policy and Advocacy says:

“These decisions fly in the face of what is needed or what works. The reality is that building walls, or funding drones, surveillance tech and more border guards, will not stop people risking their lives in search of safety and security in Europe. In fact, these measures will only force people to take even greater risks in search of protection - putting their lives in the hands of people smugglers, braving freezing temperatures or being forced to travel across dangerous terrain such as rough seas or fast-flowing rivers.

“These measures also risk compounding a growing reception crisis in the countries at Europe’s borders, leaving people trapped ‘in limbo’ in countries such as Turkey, Serbia and Bosnia where they too often lack access to the most basic needs, or stranded in desperate situations in countries like Libya where they face relentless violence, abuse and detention.

“The right to claim asylum is a fundamental right which must be safeguarded and protected. Yet by continuing to prioritise walls over welcome, EU leaders are undermining their own fundamental values. It’s time for the EU to shift its focus away from deterring people from reaching Europe, and instead prioritise protecting people along the entirety of their journeys - from their countries of origin, along their routes, and on arrival in Europe. 

“A more humane, effective, and sustainable asylum system in the European Union is not at odds with the right of member states to manage their external borders effectively. It is perfectly possible for the EU to forge a new approach to migration and asylum that is rooted in solidarity and responsibility-sharing to support states of first arrival, and create a fair and predictable relocation system that works for new arrivals and host communities alike. This must be built upon a foundation of more safe, regular routes to protection so people are not forced to risk their lives on dangerous routes towards Europe in the first place.”