Patriots leaders, including Geert Wilders and Viktor Orbán, recently gathered at Maison de Hongrie in Brussels for their first pre-European Council meeting. The group’s president declared the EU migration pact dead, emphasizing the need for a new approach to migration within the EU. The meeting highlighted migration as a key issue among European leaders ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels.
One of the main topics discussed at the gathering was the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which was agreed upon in May but has faced criticism from Patriots leaders. The group believes that the current migration policies imposed by the EU are not effective and are falling apart. They are advocating for a new era in dealing with migration, pushing for a different approach that aligns with their own agenda.
The European Council summit will focus on migration, external action, border control, and combating human trafficking and smuggling. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed several action points on migration, some of which echo the sentiments of the Patriots leaders. However, there is a clear divide between those who support the Pact on Migration and those who oppose it, such as Hungary and Poland.
The Patriots group, consisting of 11 national parties from EU member states, plays a significant role in shaping EU policies, with 86 MEPs in the Eurochamber. Their influence could be crucial in determining the appointment of the next European Commissioners. By engaging in pre-summit meetings, the Patriots aim to align their agenda with the European Council’s discussions and ensure their voices are heard on key issues, such as migration.
The Patriots leaders are adamant about pushing for a new approach to migration within the EU, emphasizing the need to address the concerns of member states that are facing challenges related to migration. While the European Commission is exploring innovative ways to counter illegal migration, there is a growing pushback from countries like Hungary and Poland who seek to opt out of the current migration policies.
Overall, the meeting of Patriots leaders at Maison de Hongrie in Brussels highlighted the growing influence of far-right groups within the EU and their desire to shape policies related to migration and asylum. As the European Council summit approaches, the discussions around migration are expected to intensify, with a focus on finding common ground among member states with differing perspectives on migration issues.
