Opening statements by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, on the need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return. After a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, MEPs are discussing how to manage unauthorised movements of third-country nationals within the EU. This follows Germany’s decision to reintroduce border controls on all land borders for six months to improve detection of illegal entries. MEPs are raising concerns about the impact of these checks on Schengen free movement and reviewing preparations for the upcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, set for 2026. The Pact focuses on strengthening security checks and accelerating asylum and return procedures for those not entitled to protection. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

migration and refugees in Europe (T)

JOHANSSON, Ylva (SE, EC)

new pact on asylum and migration (T)

Need to prevent security threats like the Solingen attack through addressing illegal migration and effective return: Opening statement by Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, August 23rd, two men and one woman lost their lives. Eight people were gravely injured at a festival in Solingen, celebrating the city's history in a festival of diversity with music and laughter. The news shocked me, shocked all of us. A barbaric attack turned a joyful summer evening into a tragedy. Today, I express again my solidarity with the victims and their loved ones, with Solingen and with Germany. And I condemn this act of terror.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, We live in an area of free movement. We share a responsibility to keep each other safe in the Schengen Area. And then it hurts when people lose their lives like this. Security has been a priority for this Commission since the start of the mandate. And it's been my mission as Commissioner for Home Affairs to deliver on this priority with legislation and numerous initiatives.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, 'We stepped up the fight against terror. We put forward the first EU counter-terrorism agenda in 15 years. The Member States are increasingly using the terrorist content online regulation to take down terrorist propaganda. We counter terrorism with a strong arm of the law and to open arms of prevention.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, In June, we set up the EU Knowledge Hub to prevent radicalisation. And yet it is not enough. It's clear the fight against terror remains a major challenge for Europe in the EU. We still need to do more to protect us from the security threats, terrorist, but also criminals and Russian infiltrators. On migration, we made decisive steps. We are putting our House in order. We, united as a European Union, have put in place the Pact on Migration and Asylum to manage migration, protect external borders and to protect people. It a historic achievement. Many said it could not be done, but we did it.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, For the first time, we have a comprehensive EU migration policy, with screening at the border to identify people who could be a security threat, to stop them and refuse them entry, and to quickly see who has the right to stay and to give them protection as swiftly return those who don't need it. Already, now all our efforts stepping up on returns are bearing fruit, with effective returns increased by 32%. And with the new pact, we will have still better results.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, 'With the new Eurodac keeping better track of asylum applicants moving between Member States, flagging security threats. My services are in close contact with Member States to support them and ensure all of them are ready when the pact starts to apply in mid-2026. Our priority now is implementation, implementation, implementation. There is no time to waste. We will support Member States to act as swiftly as possible. Implement the pact as fast as possible. Only with the whole pact in place, we will have the control we need on who enters the EU and stop potential security threats. And I count on your continued support.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, 'Honourable members, to conclude. One of the most moving events I attend every year is on March 11th, when victims of terrorists give their testimonies. Distressing, upsetting, but also inspiring. We are investing a lot in prevention, protection and counter-terrorism. But when an attack like Solingen happens, it breaks my heart to think the European Community of victims had just gone bigger and it increased my resolve. We must fight terrorism in all its forms. Our citizens deserve to be safe. Thank you.