The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, condemned on Friday 30 July the ‘instrumentalisation’ of migrants and refugees by the Belarusian regime, calling it “totally unacceptable”.
The arrival of migrants and refugees, particularly from the Middle East, at the Belarus-Lithuania border continues.
“Using human beings in need to advance political goals violates fundamental European values and principles”, Borrell said in a statement on behalf of the EU. The EU will consider the possibility of restrictive measures targeted at smugglers of migrants abusing human rights or those otherwise involved in trafficking in human beings, he warned.
According to the High Representative, the EU and its Member States will address the ongoing surge in irregular crossings into the EU “to preserve the integrity of its external border”. Borrell explained that people who do not have the right to stay in the EU would have to be sent back. “In this context, the EU and its member states will take all necessary measures in accordance with EU and international law”, he added.
He further stated that the EU would continue to strengthen the EU’s return capacity as part of a comprehensive approach, including through dialogues and partnerships with countries of origin and transit.
The High Representative underlined the readiness of the EU and its Member States to further strengthen their support to Lithuania (see EUROPE 12772/17). Member states will swiftly provide the support necessary to ensure the immediate deployment of the relevant teams and assets, he said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)