PM Luc Frieden criticises border controls in talks with Macron and Scholz

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden used the opportunity of the EU summit in Brussels to engage in discussions with leaders from neighbouring countries.

Migration policy was a key focus of the talks among the 27 EU heads of state and government during Thursday's summit.

Internal borders

After the meeting, Prime Minister Frieden described the discussions on migration as "extremely intense" but noted a shift toward a unified approach within the EU. He highlighted that the challenges of migration cannot be resolved by controlling internal borders, stressing the importance of maintaining open borders within the Schengen Area.

With Germany implementing border controls (including those with Luxembourg for the past month) and France set to introduce similar measures from 1 November, Prime Minister Frieden held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the summit.

Frieden expressed his concerns about the border controls, stating unequivocally that he does not believe they are "a good idea." He noted that President Macron appeared more receptive to his arguments than Chancellor Scholz. Following their conversation, Frieden and Macron agreed that the interior ministers of Luxembourg and France would hold further discussions this week.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Frieden emphasised that the Luxembourg government will closely monitor the situation, with a focus on minimising the impact on cross-border workers.

Illegal migration

Another key topic at Thursday's EU summit was the need to strengthen the bloc's external borders to curb illegal migration. Leaders agreed that individuals who are not recognised as refugees, or who have entered the EU illegally should face deportation. Prime Minister Luc Frieden believes that the EU's return policy is "one of its greatest weaknesses" and emphasised the need for stricter measures in this area.

Frieden warned that without a more effective return policy, the reasons for migration would become irrelevant, as those entering the EU would be allowed to stay regardless of their legal status or refugee status. EU leaders expressed concerns that this situation could undermine social cohesion and potentially sway election outcomes in ways that might not favour "centrist political parties."

Despite these concerns, Frieden emphasised the importance of maintaining a fair legal process for refugees and creating pathways for legal migration, highlighting that the EU needs migration.