Following the Thursday meeting of the Slovak, Czech, Hungarian and Austrian interior ministers in Prague, the Slovak minister Roman Mikulec reported that they ask for clear guidance from the European Commission on the implementation of the readmission agreement and on how to proceed with the return policy when it comes to third countries. In addition, the four countries call for the EU to fund measures against illegal migration. According to Mikulec, the issue of migration goes beyond the EU, and it makes no sense if individual countries fight against it on their own. "We've agreed on a joint approach and rhetoric," he remarked. According to Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, the Western Balkan route is responsible for more than half of the illegal migrants entering the EU. Meanwhile, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stressed that it is important for Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary to pressure the EC on this matter. As for Hungarian minister Sandor Pinter, he claimed that Budapest will do everything possible to prevent illegal migrants from entering the EU via Hungary.
The issue of illegal migration will also be discussed at a special summit of EU interior ministers on Friday. The meeting was convened by the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Source: TASR
