The appointment of Magnus Brunner as Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration caused quite a stir in Brussels. Formerly Austria’s Finance Minister and better known for his expertise in climate and fiscal policies, Brunner seemed like an unusual pick for such a politically charged and sensitive role. But Austria’s successful bid for this position was no accident – it’s a clear sign of Vienna’s intent to leave its mark on the EU’s migration policies in a context of growing divides over solidarity, border management, and humanitarian responsibilities. Brunner himself has promised to champion a “European way” of addressing migration, combining, as he said, security with respect for fundamental rights.
The 2019-2024 commission: mixed successes
Under Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership, the previous Commission faced a rocky road on migration. The long-awaited adoption of the Pact on Migration and Asylum in spring 2024 marked a major milestone after years of deadlock. The pact introduced a flexible solidarity mechanism, allowing member states to contribute financially or through other means instead of hosting asylum seekers. While this compromise was welcomed by Italy and Greece, it underscored the EU’s struggles to achieve a truly unified approach in the face of opposition from countries like Hungary and Poland.
Yet the pact’s promises failed to defuse the ongoing crisis. In 2024, migration routes remained deadly, following record fatalities in the Mediterranean in 2023. On the ground, frontline states like Italy and Malta continued to handle arrivals with insufficient support, as the new mechanisms were slow to take effect. Additionally, the EU’s strategy of outsourcing border management to transit countries like Tunisia drew heavy criticism. Reports of inhumane detention conditions for migrants intercepted under EU-backed agreements highlighted serious ethical concerns.
Still, there were some bright spots. Bulgaria and Romania finally secured air travel access to the Schengen Area in March 2024, after years of delays. However, Austria’s strong opposition to their full integration revealed ongoing tensions over free movement. Frontex, the EU’s Border and Coast Guard Agency, boosted its resources to combat smuggling and trafficking, but its image was marred by repeated scandals. Allegations of illegal pushbacks and rights violations sparked calls for tighter oversight.
Magnus Brunner’s priorities: continuity or change?
Brunner has made the Pact on Migration and Asylum the backbone of his agenda, pledging its swift and thorough implementation. However, his priorities – continuing some of the most contentious strategies – are already stirring debate. Key among these is the creation of “return centers” outside EU borders, modeled on the Italy-Albania agreement. These centers are designed to process asylum claims and facilitate deportations but raise significant legal and humanitarian concerns. Past agreements with Tunisia and Libya have shown that outsourcing migration management often leads to abuses, including arbitrary detention.
Another major focus is tripling Frontex personnel to 30,000 by 2030. Brunner plans to use these expanded resources to strengthen return operations and tackle hybrid threats, particularly along the EU’s eastern border with Belarus. However, this ambitious goal faces budgetary constraints and legislative hurdles. Additionally, Brunner has prioritized a revision of the 2008 Return Directive to streamline deportation processes and ensure mutual recognition of return decisions across member states. On Schengen, he aims to oppose the reintroduction of internal border controls and push for the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania.
Navigating a minefield of challenges
Brunner’s portfolio is one of the most contentious in the Commission, and the challenges ahead are immense. Chief among them is the deep divide between member states: southern countries demand greater solidarity, while eastern nations like Hungary and Poland reject any mandatory burden-sharing. The proposed return centers, promoted as pragmatic solutions, are likely to provoke backlash due to their potential for human rights violations and lack of transparency.
Frontex’s expansion is another high-stakes gamble. Without addressing the agency’s tarnished record, granting it additional powers could exacerbate its issues. Meanwhile, in the EU’s eastern regions, Belarus’s use of migrants as a destabilization tool adds another layer of complexity. Brunner will need to find a delicate balance between ensuring security and upholding the EU’s commitment to fundamental rights.
In short, Magnus Brunner begins his mandate at a time when the EU is struggling to reconcile its values with effective migration policies. While the Pact on Migration and Asylum provides a foundation, its slow rollout and the persistent divisions between member states highlight the significant hurdles that lie ahead.