European leaders call for radical changes in migration and deportation policies
Participants from nine European Union member states have issued a joint initiative that could significantly alter the current approach to dealing with criminals and illegal migrants. In a statement widely discussed within European political circles, they emphasize the need to review the standards and approaches enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. This step has become more urgent amid increasing difficulties in addressing the migration crisis and the idea of strengthening measures to control the flow of individuals committing crimes within the EU. The statement was signed by senior officials from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Based on the initiative of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, the proposal aims to open a broad political discussion regarding the effectiveness and relevance of conventions signed decades ago. According to the signatories, contemporary international policy challenges—particularly the migration crisis and the responsibility for citizens' security—necessitate a reconsideration of specific provisions and possibly amendments to the European Convention on Human Rights. "In our opinion, the safety and protection of citizens, as well as victims of crimes, are fundamental priorities. We believe these rights should take precedence over others, especially when making decisions related to deportation and migration control," the document states. Representatives of the countries expressed confidence that the current legal framework is outdated and incapable of effectively responding to new challenges, including situations where criminals exploit legal loopholes to avoid deportation or removal. Additionally, the statement underscores the importance of combating the use of migration pressure as a tool for destabilization. A key topic remains the counteraction against attempts to involve migrants in political games, including their use in hostile propaganda by states seeking to destabilize the EU and increase tensions at its borders. In this context, emphasis is placed on strengthening border controls and adopting more effective measures to prevent illegal crossings. This appeal has become particularly relevant in light of recent events on Poland’s eastern borders and the Baltic states. Since summer 2021, tensions have escalated along the Belarus-Poland and Belarus-Lithuania borders, as a result of destabilizing actions by the Belarusian authorities. They actively facilitated large-scale crossings by illegal migrants, orchestrating an artificial migration crisis that continues to this day. These countries have introduced increased measures to defend their borders, but the problem has not been fully resolved and periodically worsens. For instance, in March 2025, the Polish government again strengthened border security with Belarus, announcing additional measures and restrictions on foreigners' rights to seek international protection. Meanwhile, Lithuania has filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice, accusing the Belarusian regime of destabilizing activities, including organizing illegal border crossings, attempting to involve the country in conflict, and increasing tensions within the EU. This situation vividly illustrates the complexity facing the European Union concerning migration and security issues. Experts suggest that enhancing deportation policies and revisiting existing international agreements could be potential pathways out of this deadlock. However, such initiatives also face significant opposition from human rights advocates and international organizations, which emphasize the importance of respecting human rights and adopting a humanitarian approach to migrants. The question remains as to how serious the political debate will be and whether it can lead to concrete changes within the European legal system. At the same time, given the broader context of regional security and stability, finding compromise solutions is more urgent than ever. EU political leaders hope that this initiative will help reduce tensions and ensure more effective border protection, while respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. Yet, the overarching question remains: will Europe overcome internal disagreements and find a balance between security measures and human rights in this challenging situation?