Council of Europe States Call for New Approach to Migration Policy

Representatives from 27 member states of the Council of Europe have called for significant changes to current migration policy across the continent. The collective statement reflects growing concern among these governments regarding the management of migration and the challenges it presents to public safety, social integration, and legal processes.

While the Council of Europe is not part of the European Union, its membership covers a broad spectrum of European nations, giving the declaration considerable weight in ongoing debates about migration. The participating states highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws and a more robust approach to individuals who do not meet the requirements for asylum or legal residency.

One of the main points of discussion was the issue of criminal activity among certain groups of migrants. The signatory states emphasized the importance of protecting their citizens and maintaining public order, arguing that those who commit crimes or violate the terms of their stay should face swift legal consequences, including deportation if necessary. Authorities from these countries have stressed the importance of zero tolerance toward individuals who abuse the legal protections provided by host countries.

Beyond enforcement, the statement also addressed the broader challenges of integrating newcomers into society. The countries called for policies that support successful integration, including language acquisition, employment opportunities, and civic education. However, they noted that integration efforts should not be extended to those who break the law or fail to comply with the terms of their residency.

The joint appeal also urged closer cooperation between European countries to manage migration flows more effectively. This includes information sharing, joint operations to combat human trafficking, and a coordinated approach to border security. The signatories expressed support for strengthening the external borders of the Schengen Area and investing in measures to prevent unauthorized entry.

Additionally, the statement called for a review of existing asylum procedures, with the aim of streamlining processes and ensuring that decisions are made more efficiently. The signatory states argued that a more effective system would benefit both genuine refugees and host societies.

The collective stance of these 27 Council of Europe member states reflects a shifting mood in many European countries, where public debate over migration continues to influence political agendas. The call for a policy shift comes amid broader discussions at the continental level about the balance between humanitarian obligations and national security interests.

While the declaration does not introduce binding legal changes, it signals a clear intention among these countries to pursue a tougher and more coordinated approach to migration in the future. The Council of Europe and its member states are expected to continue working on concrete policy proposals and legal reforms in the coming months, as migration remains a central issue on the European political landscape.