Europe Brussels relies on hard borders and recruits skilled workers
Over the next five years, the European Commission wants to focus on a strict migration policy and at the same time attract skilled workers to the EU.
29.01.2026, 13:16
SDA
"To protect those who really need protection and to compete globally for the best brains, we need to control our borders effectively," said EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner. The Austrian politician added that the abuse of the asylum system undermines public trust.
The strategy for the years 2026 to the end of 2030 has three goals. The EU Commission wants to prevent irregular migration and the business of people smugglers, protect people from war and persecution without allowing the system to be abused and attract skilled workers to the EU. In order to achieve these goals, the Brussels authority is focusing on five priorities.
"Multipurpose centers" along the refugee routes
Firstly, the Brussels authority mentions its efforts to expand cooperation with non-EU countries. Accordingly, so-called "multi-purpose centers" are to be established along the refugee routes with the support of the EU - details of which initially remained unclear.
Despite criticism from human rights activists, the EU had recently provided financial support to Egypt in particular in the fight against unwanted migration so that Egypt could keep the refugees. According to the United Nations, the country is currently hosting around one million refugees from crisis countries, some of whom are trying to reach the EU via the Mediterranean. There is also controversial cooperation with Libya.
At the same time, the EU Commission wants to exert pressure on third countries to take back rejected asylum seekers. "Fast, effective and dignified" deportations are essential for the credibility of the asylum system, according to the strategy. The EU Commission is also relying on its visa policy. According to this, visa-free regulations for third countries can be suspended if, in the opinion of the EU, they do not cooperate sufficiently on migration issues.
Commission prepares for worsening labor shortages
In addition to the strict handling of the asylum system, the migration strategy is also intended to focus on the shortage of workers in certain sectors. "Over the next five years, skills gaps and labor shortages will worsen in many key sectors," it says. For this reason, partnerships with third countries are to be expanded and qualifications recognized more quickly. Third-country nationals and employers are to receive support in the visa process.
