Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) has emphasized the necessity of taking stronger measures to prevent illegal migration during a press conference before departing for the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Granada, Spain. Over forty heads of state and government from European countries are expected to participate in the summit, followed by an informal European Union summit on Friday.

Prime Minister Fiala expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing discussions, stating, “I am glad that we continue to engage in these beneficial conversations.” The primary focus topics at the Granada summit will encompass European security, the migration crisis, combating climate change, and energy transformation. Prime Minister Fiala will partake in a roundtable discussion on energy, emphasizing the pivotal role of nuclear energy and renewable sources for the Czech Republic. He also underscored the importance of cooperation with other partners in the energy sector, emphasizing that the Czech Republic is well-prepared for the approaching winter.

In light of the migration issue taking center stage, Prime Minister Fiala underscored the significance of addressing this topic during the summit. He reiterated the necessity for bolder actions to deter illegal migration, given the significant surge in the number of migrants in European countries in recent weeks. The implementation of temporary border controls by several countries, including the Czech Republic, reflects the inadequacy of current European policies. Prime Minister Fiala called for reaching an agreement and implementing necessary changes to effectively address the migration issue, highlighting the migration pact as the right approach.

The EPC summit will also see the participation of leaders from various EU institutions, who will join Prime Minister Fiala and other participants in the informal European Union summit in Granada. The summit will focus on the strategic agenda of the EU in the coming years, and discussions may encompass the possibility of initiating accession talks with Ukraine, a decision that could be made at the upcoming EU summit in December.

As migration remains a pressing issue in European countries, the Czech Republic and Poland have implemented border controls with Slovakia and Austria. This move has been prompted by the significant increase in the number of migrants in European countries in recent weeks. Prime Minister Fiala has underscored the need for bold steps to prevent illegal migration, advocating for a comprehensive agreement and necessary changes to address the issue effectively.

Article by Prague Forum