Magnus Brunner

Gestern war ich beim Europäischen Mediengipfel in Seefeld - hier die aktuelle Pressestunde zum Nachsehen:

on.orf.at/video/14302797…

©️ Europäischer Mediengipfel_Florian Lechner

My statement on the EU Drugs Strategy:

ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

We must fight back on all fronts - prevention, treatment and security.

With today‘s EU Drugs Strategy and the Action Plan we send a clear message.

#ProtectEU

There are human lives at stake: In 2023 alone we lost 7,500 Europeans, not to mention the bloodshed, violence, corruption and social harm that comes with the illegal drugs trafficking.

When it comes to illegal drugs, Europe is reaching a crisis point.

Follow my press statement on the EU Drugs Strategy and Drug Trafficking Action Plan today at 12.00h here:

audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/de/ebs/grid?...

Follow my exchange of views with the LIBE committee in the European Parliament at 9.30 here:

multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstream...

Nach 365 Tagen als EU-Kommissar, 84 Dienstreisen und unzähligen Gesprächen in allen 27 Mitgliedstaaten blickte ich gestern auf mein erstes Jahr zurück. Wir haben bereits wichtige Weichen für die Zukunft Europas gestellt.

The European Union has always been a project of peace, freedom and prosperity. It is our obligation and mission to protect these values, in the interest of our democracy.

Yesterday afternoon, I met philosophical and non-confessional leaders to discuss polarisation in societies. These leaders act as interlocutors and ambassadors throughout Europe as regards the EU’s values.

Today’s meeting also concludes my mission to Malta and the visit to all 27 EU Member States within the first year of my mandate.

We discussed the migration and asylum challenges facing the frontline Member States.

It was a valuable opportunity to exchange views and coordinate our efforts in view of the implementation of the Pact, the return regulation and the support of EU agencies.

Concluding my visit to Malta and a small milestone in the first year of my mandate.

I attended the Med5 Ministerial Meeting, bringing together Home Affairs Ministers from Italy, Spain, Malta, Cyprus and Greece.

I also visited the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and met with Executive Director Nina Gregori. We discussed the agency’s crucial work in supporting EU Member States, making asylum procedures more efficient, and sharing best practices across the EU.

I also exchanged views with Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement, Byron Camilleri. We had a good discussion on the need for a comprehensive approach to migration, the importance of more engagement with partner countries, and swift progress on the return regulation.

I had a productive first day in Malta yesterday.

I met with Prime Minister Robert Abela, and we discussed Malta’s perspective on migration and security.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

 I look forward to continue our close cooperation as we work together to build a stronger, more secure Europe.

I also appreciated the insights the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau and their efforts to seize the assets that derive from crime – we need to do more to follow the money and deprive organised crime of the lucrative profits their drive their business.

I was impressed by Ireland’s preparations — from strengthened screening and registration to faster procedures — all crucial steps to reduce irregular arrivals, ease pressure on the reception system, and restore trust across the Union.

Our discussions reflected the major reforms in EU Migration and Asylum policy.

Thank you, Minister Jim O’Callaghan, for the warm invitation to Ireland and the opportunity to discuss our shared priorities on migration, security, and your upcoming Presidency.

Security challenges are evolving fast - no country can face them alone. The EU stands ready to deepen cooperation with our G7 partners.

International cooperation is essential to effectively fight transnational organised crime and the diverse methods through which it seeks to harm our communities - including migrant smuggling, synthetic drugs, extremism, and cybercrime.

Today I’m in Ottawa for the G7 Interior Ministers’ Meeting.

We are working together to tackle challenges that threaten to undermine our security.

Thank you for the visit and the constructive exchange!

We are determined to fight the smuggling of migrants by organised criminal groups and the instrumentalisation of migration, while working together to expand the opportunities for talent mobility and fruitful people-to-people contacts.

Cooperation on migration and security is a top priority for both sides.

Today, I had an excellent meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar.