The issue of immigration was once again highlighted as a central axis of reflection and strategic planning, in a discussion organized in the framework of the 11th Delphi 2026 Economic Forum.
The discussion on “Migration Strategy in an Age of Pressure”, which reflected the shift in the European narrative from management policies to policies of deterrence and control, was attended by Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Thanos Pleyris, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Nicolas Ioannidis, Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of State for Migration and International Protection.
The statements of the three speakers converged on a common realization that the European migration system is in a phase of readjustment, gradually abandoning the “softer” approaches of the previous decade and adopting a more rigorous, more realistic and instrumental strategy. The emphasis is shifting from passively managing flows to actively preventing them, from ex post integration to ex ante selection, and from internal management to externalisation of policy through partnerships with third countries.
As articulated by the panelists, a common denominator of interventions is the clear distinction between legal and illegal immigration, with speakers emphasizing that confusing the two has been a key factor in exacerbating the phenomenon. At the same time, the need to link legal migration to the real needs of economies, through controlled and institutionalised channels, and to strengthen return mechanisms for those who are not entitled to international protection is highlighted.
It was also stressed that particular emphasis is also placed on guarding the external frontier of the European Union and deconstructing trafficking networks, with deterrence being presented as an integral part of migration policy. The proposal for the creation of return centres outside the EU, as well as the strengthening of cooperation with third countries, which are called upon to play an active role in both the containment of flows and the reintegration of returnees, are also part of the same framework.
The statements of the three speakers:
Thanos Plevris: A harder line on migration
On Europe’s new direction on migration, Thanos Plevris said: Illegal migration is a problem and cannot be a solution to any issue. Europe’s aim now is to limit flows, make returns a priority and make it clear that the only way to come to Europe is through legal channels and legal channels. We don’t want the smuggling rings to determine who enters the European Union.
To address the shortage of workers he stressed: We need to completely decouple legal from illegal immigration. We are seeking bilateral agreements with countries whose migrant population respects the principles and values of Europe. We must not be blind: the migration problem became gigantic when the flows were linked to countries that did not want to adapt to the European way of life, but wanted to bring to Europe the element of religious fundamentalism.
On the model of integration for those receiving asylum he noted: No more logic that someone will live on benefits paid by Greek and European taxpayers. Anyone who receives asylum is informed from day one that they no longer have any state benefits, but are given the opportunity to work. We link refugees directly to market needs, such as in agriculture, tourism and construction. If someone refuses to work, they will have no support.
For those who are not entitled to asylum but refuse to return, the minister said: Our strategy is to create return hubs(Return Hubs) outside the European Union. Where asylum is refused and the migrant does not cooperate in their return, they will be transferred to hubs outside the EU in cooperation with safe third countries. In this way, the illegal migrant loses the advantage of “blackmailing” the host country with his/her stay and is obliged to comply with return decisions.
On border guarding and flows from Turkey, Thanos Plevris stressed: Border protection necessarily includes deterrence. The protection of the border must include the obligation to include the protection of the border. Anyone who starts from a country like Turkey, where he is not in danger, cannot impose his presence in Greece. We will take all necessary measures to protect our borders. Europe now understands that border security is the first line of defense of the European way of life.
Commenting on European policy so far, he noted: Soft policies have failed. The tough ones are now being tested. The notion that we can integrate unlimited populations without control has collapsed. Today Europe is moving into a different, more realistic phase, where the security of its citizens and the protection of its borders is a top priority. We are working closely with countries like Austria and Cyprus to enforce this new, rigorous but fair agenda.
Gerhard Carner: States decide who enters Europe, not traffickers
On Austria’s position on the establishment of Return Hubs in third countries, Gerhard Carner said: They are a necessary and innovative solution for the decongestion of the EU’s external borders. We need to send a clear message: anyone who enters illegally and is not entitled to asylum will be transferred to safe third countries until their final return. This will reduce the pressure on countries like Austria and Greece.
On how Austria approaches the distinction between legal and illegal migration, he said: The separation must be absolute and strict. In Austria we have clear roles: the Minister of Labour is responsible for legal immigration and meeting the needs of the market, while I, as Minister of the Interior, am responsible for fighting illegal immigration and traffickers. It cannot be a backdoor to work.
He said the priority is direct returns. Already more than 1,200 people have left Austria for Syria. We have to be fair but also tough: we are working to ensure that refugees return directly from the camps to their countries and not continue illegally to Europe. Forced returns, such as the ones we have started to Damascus, are key to controlling secondary migration.
On whether the new European Pact on Migration is sufficient to deal with future crises, he noted: The Pact is a necessary tool that we have been discussing for ten years, but it will not solve all the problems on its own. We need continuous and close cooperation between member states, like the one we have with Greece and Cyprus. Its success depends on reducing pressure at the external borders and implementing the new solutions for returns.
Finally, he sent Austria’s message to smugglers and those who try to enter illegally. Europe is not open to anyone who wants to enter illegally. Our close cooperation on returns and border surveillance is precisely to stop people risking their lives at sea or in trucks, believing in false promises.
Nicolas Ioannidis: It is necessary to conclude mobility agreements with third countries
On how Cyprus approaches the issue of legal migration in relation to the needs of the labour market, Nicolas Ioannides said: It is a fact that in Cyprus too we need foreign labour. We believe that strengthening legal migration routes can help to combat illegal migration. Today, about 80% of asylum applications in Cyprus are rejected as unfounded, as most of them come for work. To manage this, we need to improve our procedures, making use of European tools such as the Blue Card, the EU Talent Pool and the EU Visa Strategy.
On the role of third countries in the management of migration flows he stressed: Legal migration has an external dimension and concerns the conduct of foreign policy. It is necessary to conclude mobility agreements with third countries, especially with the so-called transit countries. These countries must assume their responsibilities and cooperate with us to prevent illegal flows, while benefiting from visa facilitation and mobility agreements with the EU.
He referred to the innovative programme implemented by Cyprus for the repatriation of Syrians. He said we are implementing a pilot scheme where one member of a Syrian family can secure a work permit for 2+1 years, provided that he withdraws his asylum application or revokes his international protection status, while the rest of the family will return to Syria. So far, around 5,000 Syrians have voluntarily withdrawn their applications or revoked their status and most have returned. As conditions in Syria have changed, we have already rejected more than 1,000 asylum applications, decisions that have also been upheld by the courts.
Finally on what are the expectations from the new European Pact on Immigration and Asylum he said: Despite any shortcomings, the Pact is a very positive development. For the first time there is a clear reference to a solidarity mechanism, which is extremely important for us, the front-line Member States. It provides a more coherent legal framework for dealing with new crises, so that Europe does not find itself unprepared, as it did ten years ago. If properly implemented, together we will be able to manage crises more effectively, protecting our borders and ensuring that we, as sovereign states, decide who enters Europe, not the traffickers.
