By Staff Writer with Agencies
Budapest, Hungary – At the 5th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized that illegal migration has had the most significant impact on Europe’s political architecture over the last decade. He reiterated the need for Eastern European nations to align their visa policies with the European Union (EU) to curb illegal immigration.
Addressing Visa Loopholes in Eastern Europe
According to data from Croatia’s Ministry of Interior, 40% of illegal migrants who attempt to cross EU borders originally entered neighboring countries by air as tourists. Plenković stressed that this issue needs to be addressed at a pan-European level to prevent the exploitation of visa regimes.
Participating in a roundtable on migration, chaired by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Plenković joined leaders from Denmark, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and the European Council to discuss strategies for tackling migration challenges.
Key Themes of the EPC Summit
The Budapest summit focused on European security concerns, including:
- Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in attendance.
- Middle East tensions, particularly the escalation of violence.
- Economic security and energy policies, addressing transport, IT, and global trade challenges.
Plenković noted that the European Political Community serves as a broader platform for European leaders beyond the European Council, especially under Hungary’s current EU Presidency.
Strengthening EU-US Cooperation Under Trump’s New Administration
European leaders also discussed relations with the United States under President-elect Donald Trump. Plenković emphasized that the EU, with 440 million citizens and advanced economies, must strengthen its transatlantic ties while upholding democratic values and global leadership.
The summit highlighted the EU’s commitment to enhancing security, managing migration effectively, and maintaining economic stability amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
Sources:
- [European Political Community Official Website]
- [Croatian Government Press Release]
- [Hungarian EU Presidency 2024 Updates]
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