On the third day of the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate took place on strengthening security at Europe’s external borders, with a particular focus on the need for a comprehensive approach and increased support for the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). ECR MEPs Mariusz Kamiński, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, and Jacek Ozdoba took the floor during the discussion.
Mariusz Kamiński stated that strengthening security at the EU’s external borders cannot be merely an empty slogan but must have a practical dimension. “When it comes to security, we cannot be guided by ideological blindness or naivety; common sense is what matters most,” the MEP noted.
The Polish politician noted that any suggestions that Brussels might take over management of the EU’s external borders are irresponsible. He also pointed out that the European Commission’s role should be to co-finance border security measures in consultation with the governments of member states. He explained that this involves not only modern electronic surveillance systems but also physical and engineering barriers. “For reasons that are hard to understand, the European Commission has so far refused to fund such barriers,” he stated, arguing that this must change.
The MEP presented Eurostat data indicating that there are approximately 1.3 million illegal migrants in the European Union. He reported that Frontex has deported 37,000 people this year. He added that this is not enough to bring about a significant improvement in the situation. “That is why Frontex’s main task must be the effective return of illegal migrants to their countries of origin,” argued Mariusz Kamiński. “Only consistent, rational action will ensure Europe’s security at its external borders,” said the former Minister of the Interior.
Jadwiga Wiśniewska emphasized that securing the EU’s external borders is the key to ensuring the Union’s internal security. “That is why urgent support for the so-called frontline states is necessary through EU funding for border protection infrastructure,” she noted. According to the PiS MEP, it is absolutely essential to prosecute and severely punish human traffickers, as well as to immediately expel illegal migrants from the EU. “We must limit the activities in border areas of those NGOs that collaborate with human traffickers,” Wiśniewska said, noting that this requires close cooperation between Europol and Frontex, as well as an increase in the number of Frontex officers. “We must do everything possible to ensure the safety of Europeans,” the Polish politician urged, also emphasizing the need for close cooperation within the Schengen Area. The PiS MEP also noted that the European Commission must act within the limits of its treaty-based powers. “It is unacceptable for the Commission to disregard the calls from the Council and the Parliament to immediately mobilize funds to strengthen the physical external borders,” stated Wiśniewska, urging the Commission to take urgent action on this matter.
Jacek Ozdoba noted that the current governments in the European Union are responsible for today’s crisis. “It is none other than Ursula von der Leyen, or the German partners of the European People’s Party, who triggered the crisis they are now beginning to criticize,” he stated.
The ECR MEP noted that Germany, which has spearheaded initiatives in the areas of energy policy, climate policy, and migration policy, must now, one by one, backtrack on their misguided decisions, which are proving destructive for them, causing problems with internal security, unemployment, and high prices. Ozdoba noted that Poland does not face such problems. “Poland’s voice must be strong,” he emphasized, recalling the former Polish government’s efforts to combat illegal immigration and the influx of migrants orchestrated by Lukashenko and Putin. “We must stop tolerating policies that are destroying Europe. We must deport illegal immigrants,” he urged.
