In a powerful speech in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, the liberal MEP Petra Steger sharply criticized the current state of the EU border protection agency Frontex. She described Frontex as a “synonym for fake border protection” and accused the European Commission of failing to guarantee the safety of citizens.
“Thanks to the EU’s inability to issue clear political mandates, the external borders are not protected but are at best monitored. “Frontex has now become a welcoming committee for illegal immigrants, including terrorists and dangerous people,” said Steger.
Steger also expressed massive doubts about the increase in staff announced by the Commission President: “Mrs von der Leyen is talking about 30,000 employees, in reality, according to the current plan, there should only be 15,000 by 2034. Ms. von der Leyen’s promises are broken before her fake news has even left her mouth,” emphasized Steger.
She also accused the EU of only offering sham solutions instead of presenting real solutions and instead falling into “Hungary bashing”. “Hungary is being punished because it shows how border protection works – without Frontex,” criticized Steger.
The liberal MP also made it clear that neither those currently responsible nor the designated EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) were willing or able to solve the problems at the external borders. “As the winners of the National Council election, we Freedom Party members will do everything we can to ensure that he is replaced before the hearings – and that someone comes along who will actually protect the borders,” Steger announced.
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