The opening speech focused on the "weaponization" of migration by certain third countries, as well as on the instrumentalization of this phenomenon by non-state actors exploiting fears linked to migration by the bias of disinformation. As a reminder, weaponization of migration is defined as the exploitation of voluntary or forced migration and refugee flows created deliberately for certain reasons or previously created by a third party with political, military, or any other types of goals. Migration instrumentalization occurs when non-EU countries instigate migratory flows towards the external borders of the European Union to unsettle the Union or a Member State. For more detailed information on this matter, please read this publication. 

Participants in the conference then discussed :

• Policies, action plans and strategies for the protection of EU’s external borders: Recent events, including the 2015-2016 migration crisis, the freezing of the Schengen area during COVID and Russia's invasion of Ukraine were discussed. Then the question of how EU policies and strategies provide a framework to respond to diverse crises was raised. Participants inter alia considered the new Pact on Migration and Asylum (and the need for well-managed Schengen en external borders), the Strategy towards a fully functioning and resilient Schengen area, the Technical and Operational Strategy for European Integrated Border Management and the revision of the Schengen Borders Code. The preponderant place of Member States in border management and the importance of partnerships with third countries was also stressed.
   
• The legal framework and policy developments of external border protection: Relevant legislative developments in the context of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, and particularly the new mandatory border procedure, were discussed. Some participants regretted the position of the European Parliament which considers that screening is an integral part of the international protection procedure (unlike the Council which considers it as a simple control that could possibly lead to an international protection procedure). The usage of IT infrastructure was also discussed. Participants highlighted the necessary implementation of ‘smart borders’ IT systems and their interoperability.
   
• Practical/operational aspects of border protection: The effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages of technologies and infrastructures used by Member States in the context of border control/protection were discussed. Speakers stressed the indispensable role of technology in border protection and cooperation with neighboring countries, which is all the more important given the controversial discussion and high costs of building physical barriers.
   
• Cooperation with third countries: Cooperation with and capacity building in third countries in the areas of migration management, return and readmission were discussed. Speakers inter alia focused on the need to guarantee respect for the rights of migrants, to deploy continuous efforts against smugglers and traffickers, and to strengthen cooperation with third countries.

For further information, please contact EMNAustria@iom.int.