«We cannot protect the European way of life without protecting the EU's borders,» emphasizes the Greek commissioner and Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, in an interview published in today's edition of the French newspaper, Le Figaro.
In his interview, Mr. Schinas states that the European Pact on Asylum and Migration, which is currently under discussion, is based «the protection of the EU’s external borders and the restriction of arrivals.» Frontex, he adds, «has a budget of 6 billion euros—up from 2 billion previously—, »It will be equipped with ships and helicopters and, by 2027, will employ approximately 10,000 coast guard officers, uniformed personnel, and armed personnel.". Brussels will also strengthen partnerships «with transit and origin countries» because, as the Greek commissioner emphasizes, «the EU must help these countries offer a better life to their populations so that they remain there rather than risking their lives by turning to smugglers.».
The Vice President of the European Commission also points out that Countries such as Turkey or Morocco «must understand that we will not accept the exploitation» of the migration issue, while he believes that these countries «will, in the medium term, recognize their interest in cooperating with Europe.» Regarding allegations by non-governmental organizations—which have also targeted Greece—that Frontex, along with some member states, is carrying out illegal pushbacks of migrants, Margaritis Schinas emphasizes that «the investigation conducted by the Frontex Management Board, did not prove that there were illegal pushbacks». «For us, the borders are of paramount importance,» he adds. «We must now place our full trust in Frontex to allow it to carry out its critical mission.».
The despair felt by many European citizens over the uncontrolled influx of asylum seekers is understandable, the Greek commissioner adds, noting that «it is the result of the long-standing absence of a migration policy in Europe.» According to Mr. Schinas, «asylum seekers must be able to benefit from what Europe has to offer: public health, housing, education, and training. In return, these populations must embrace the European way of life—that is, respect the democratic process, minorities, and the role of women in the family and in society.’.
«As Vice President of the Commission responsible for promoting the European way of life, I must ensure that Europe defends its culture and knows how to defend itself when its values come under attack,» emphasizes Margaritis Schinas. «We will not be able to protect the European way of life without protecting the EU’s borders.».
