EU Leaders Discuss Increased Border Controls

European Union leaders are tightening immigration controls amid increasing political pressure and a rise in far-right support across member states. A summit in Brussels will focus on enhancing border security, with specific measures being discussed to strengthen controls on the borders with Russia and Belarus, as well as in the Schengen area. France has announced extended border controls with several neighboring countries from November 2024 to April 2025 due to rising security threats, including terrorism and organized crime linked to illegal migration. Germany and Austria have also reinstated border checks, reflecting a broader trend among EU nations. Additionally, EU President Ursula von der Leyen proposed establishing agreements with non-EU countries to curb illegal immigration, suggesting the creation of 'return hubs' for deportations. This marks a significant shift from the EU's previous welcoming approach to migrants during the 2015 crisis.