Despite multiple migration crises, EU will not finance border fences

The European Union will not finance barbed wire fences and building walls in the fight against migration, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in Brussels at the closing press conference of the two-day EU summit.

“The European Union also provides financial support for the fight against migration, but these resources cannot be used for fences or walls,” said Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

“As you know, we have the resources to manage borders. These can also be used to finance staff, equipment and infrastructure. There was a debate about the so-called physical infrastructure, where I made it very clear that there is an old boundary line between the committee and the European Parliament about not funding barbed wire and walls,” she added.

No measures in rule-of-law debate

Ursula von der Leyen also spoke about the so-called rule of law mechanism, which would suspend EU payments for Hungary and Poland due to complaints about the rule of law.

“The European Court of Justice must rule on the request of Hungary and Poland that this system of conditions is legally appropriate. We will look at the outcome of the verdict and incorporate this into our guidelines,” the German politician said, adding that “no case will be lost as the cases in question have been recorded since January. However, no action will be taken until the court ruling, but the notification period can start, i.e. letters can be sent to the governments concerned.”

In a lawsuit before the European Court of Justice, Hungary and Poland are seeking a declaration that the mechanism was set up illegally. However, a ruling is only expected next year. If the mechanism comes into force, Hungary and Poland could lose billions of euros.

Warning Belarus to stop stoking migration crisis

Discussions on energy prices and the rule of law will continue in December, while the Belarusian regime has been threatened with further sanctions to fuel an artificial refugee crisis.

“Lukashenko will see that the EU can decide and move,” said von der Leyen.