The European Commission issued today a communication that presents the strategic framework for European Integrated Border Management (EIBM) for five years and a recommendation to Member States on the mutual recognition of return decisions and the acceleration of returns.

The European Council at its extraordinary meeting on 9 February 2023 reiterated the importance of ensuring effective control of the EU’s external land and sea borders as part of the integrated approach to migration. Ahead of the next stocktaking meeting of the European Council, the Commission is implementing through these initiatives some of those key actions set out in President Ursula von der Leyen’s letter and in the European Council conclusions of 9 February 2023.

The Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinashe mentioned that “Strong external borders are an essential part of our overall approach to immigration and asylum and a cornerstone of our Security Union. With today’s first multiannual European strategy for integrated border management, we are ensuring that all Member States and Frontex activities – from border surveillance to combating trafficking to returns – are guided by the same set of common principles and deliver results on the spot. Together with our own recommendations to improve the efficiency and mutual recognition of return decisions, we create much more than a functional framework. We are building step by step the common EU culture for managing migration.”

The Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson noted that “these proposals are about continuing to develop fully functioning immigration and asylum management. The European Strategy for Integrated Border Management and the Recommendation on Mutual Recognition of Return Decisions and Expediting Returns will help achieve this functionality.

The use of cross-departmental and technological tools allows us to manage our common external borders, monitor and speed up return decisions more accurately. This will give more credibility to the return rates. In this way we can build trust to respond to all aspects of immigration management, including viable legal avenues.”

Effective European integrated border management

With this Communication, the Commission sets out the first multiannual strategic policy cycle for European integrated border management for the next 5 years.

This is the result of an extensive consultation process between the institutions, leading to a common vision for the management of the external borders. It also provides a coordinated framework for national authorities managing borders, as well as over 120,000 national border and Frontex officials, directing their day-to-day work. The key priorities of the strategy has 15 key components, including:

* Border control, supported by large-scale IT and interagency collaboration to strengthen immigration governance and crisis preparedness. This is ensured by the use of state-of-the-art infrastructure and effective surveillance, such as e.g. cameras and drones, coherent and integrated national and situational images, effective implementation of the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) and sound risk analysis. EU information systems for the management of external borders (Schengen Information System, Entry-Exit System, Visa Information System and European Travel Information and Authorization System) and their interoperability will facilitate transit. Increased cooperation between all national authorities and at EU level is key to better understanding, detecting and responding to challenges in the EU at the external borders.

*Search and rescue is a key element of European integrated border management.

* A common EU system for returns: better coordination between national authorities and European agencies is key to improving returns. Member States can make full use of the support available from Frontex for all phases of the return process. The Returns Coordinator supported by the High Level Returns Network will coordinate the implementation of the business strategy for more effective returns.

*Cooperation with third countries should be strengthened to help build operational capacities of third countries in the areas of border control, risk analysis, returns and readmission and combating trafficking. In this regard, special emphasis should be placed on the Eastern and Southern neighborhood alongside third countries, from and through which the main migration routes go to the EU. This contributes to the development of mutual and comprehensive migration partnerships with countries of origin. and transit.

* Full respect for fundamental rights: the protection of EU borders must be done with full respect for fundamental rights. Actions by EU and national actors should be carried out in full compliance with EU law, including the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and with International Law, including through an effective monitoring mechanism.

Strengthening cooperation on mutual recognition of return decisions and speeding up returns

An effective EU return system is central to a well-functioning asylum system and the overall approach outlined in the new pact on migration and asylum. It can also have a deterrent effect on unsafe and irregular migration, helping to prevent the exploitation of migrants by breaking the business model of criminal trafficking networks and promoting safe legal routes.

With today’s recommendation, the Commission provides guidance on the implementation of mutual recognition of return decisions which closes a gap in the return acquis. It also updates previous guidance provided by the Commission in 2017 on returns and supporting Member States in facilitating and speeding up returns.

Building blocks include:

* Mutual recognition of return decisions: With the upgraded Schengen Information System which entered into force on 7 March, Member States can now have immediate notification of a third-country national’s return decision issued by another Member State. This allows mutual recognition of return decisions within the EU and rapid returns from anywhere in Europe. Frontex will be ready to support returning Member States.

*More effective returns: Member States can establish closer links between authorities managing asylum and returns. They are invited to do this through an IT system for return case management based on the model developed by Frontex, aligned with the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation. This will ensure timely access to information on third-country nationals subject to a return decision. The recommendation also offers guidance on absconding risk prevention and then alternative measures to detention, which should remain as a measure of last resort.

*Incentives for voluntary return: It is necessary to provide information about return at the initial steps of the process, including the asylum process. Member States should set up return and reintegration advisory structures to promote voluntary return. For third-country nationals enrolled in these programs, voluntary returns may be encouraged by not issuing entry bans.