On Tuesday 8 October, the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties (LIBE) finalised its questions to the Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration, Austrian Magnus Brunner, as well as those to the Commissioner-designate for Justice, Michael McGrath (see other news).
One of the key questions will in particular concern returns and new methods for facilitating the expulsion of irregular migrants from European soil, which will be one of the main priorities of the future Commission.
They have been grouped around five main areas, as indicated in a previous draft (see EUROPE 13493/10): migration and asylum, external borders, internal borders, security and access to data for law enforcement agencies.
On migration and asylum, he will of course have to explain how he will monitor the implementation of the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’ and its dozen or so new implementing legislative texts from 2026, and say how he intends to “address any delays”.
He will also be asked about sufficient funding for States and European agencies to successfully implement the Pact.
“Working with Member States on a stronger coordination of rescue operations is also part of your mission letter. How do you see your role and that of the EU in this area?”, MEPs are also expected to ask.
As far as returns are concerned, the Austrian will have to say how he intends to strengthen readmission policies and explain his understanding of the concept of “innovative operational solutions to counter irregular migration” contained in his mission letter.
The success of the EU’s common approach to migration needs to be complemented by safe and viable legal pathways, including resettlement for refugees and their successful integration in communities and labour market, LIBE also says. “What steps will you take to ensure that Member States participate fully and meaningfully in the EU Resettlement Framework?”
Mr Brunner will also have to explain his plans for legal labour migration and, in particular, the establishment of the EU Talent Pool.
With regard to Frontex, LIBE reiterates its request concerning Ms von der Leyen’s announcement to increase the number of staff at the agency to 30,000. Magnus Brunner will be responsible for explaining this plan, which will include funding for the agency and a possible review of its mandate.
He will also be questioned on the instrumentalisation of migrants at external borders: “What counter measures and steps are you planning to undertake, working closely with Member States and stakeholders to prepare and respond to hybrid attacks?”
The impact of technology on fundamental rights and visa policy will also be addressed.
As far as the Schengen area is concerned, the Austrian will have to say how he intends to re-establish full freedom of movement at a time when member countries are stepping up internal controls, and whether he intends to launch infringement proceedings. He will also be expected to report on his efforts to ensure the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area.
With regard to access to data for law enforcement purposes, he will have to specify how to “address the key challenge of ensuring effective access to personal data in order to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute criminal offences, while simultaneously complying with the principles of necessity and proportionality and upholding privacy and data protection”.
“Will you also address encryption when proposing rules on access?”, MEPs will ask him. He will also have to explain to them how he can help break the deadlock in discussions on the regulation on the removal of child pornography content online.
According to Euractiv and Politico, which have seen two provisional timetables, the Austrian’s hearing could take place on 5 November.
Link to LIBE Committee questions: https://aeur.eu/f/drl (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)