Belgium joins EU leaders in pushing for tougher migration policies
Belgium took part for the first time in a high-level EU meeting on migration ahead of the Brussels summit. Prime minister Bart De Wever joined leaders from 12 countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Hungary, to discuss tightening asylum and deportation policies.
The informal group, led by Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Dick Schoof of the Netherlands and Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, advocates tighter controls on migration. Belgium, previously excluded, was invited because of the new De Wever government, which has promised the toughest migration policy in Belgian history.
During the meeting, De Wever called for faster implementation of the EU migration pact, echoing Dutch calls to expand "safe country" lists to speed up deportations. Both Italy and Denmark, despite political differences, support tougher migration policies, citing concerns over integration and public services.
In the presence of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, leaders pledged to speed up return policies and strengthen enforcement. As migration takes its place on the EU summit agenda, a shift towards tougher policies appears to be increasingly accepted across Europe.
German chancellor Olaf Scholz, Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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