European interior ministers took their policy talks to new heights – literally – gathering at Germany’s Zugspitze mountain 🏔️ to pledge a crackdown on irregular migration. The six-nation meeting, including France, Poland, and Denmark, vowed to ‘level up’ border security and speed up deportations amid rising pressure on asylum systems.
🔑 Key takeaways:
New plans to combat human trafficking networks
Demands for more EU funding to protect external borders
Focus on faster returns of migrants without legal status
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called it a ‘wake-up call for Europe’, while the EU’s migration commissioner emphasized protecting ‘public trust’ in policies. The move comes as Germany deported 81 Afghan nationals – its second group expulsion since 2021.
🌐 Why it matters: With asylum applications in the EU hitting 1.14 million in 2023 (up 18% YoY), this Alpine agreement could shape how Europe handles one of its most divisive issues. Critics argue stricter policies risk humanitarian concerns, but ministers insist it’s about ‘balance and fairness’.
