Magnus Brunner
Austrian politician, finance minister
Photo: Bundesministerium für Finanzen, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons, cropped)
- 2d ago
EU Commission warns Spain's 'national priority' housing rules may breach EU law
The European Commission says laws giving nationals priority for public benefits and housing could be indirectly discriminatory. Commissioner Magnus Brunner's reply to a Compromís MEP is dated 10 September and was reported on Monday, 12 October, while Valencia and Castilla y León keep their residence requirements.
- 2d ago
Von der Leyen urges swift returns of Ceuta migrants to Morocco before EU summit
Ursula von der Leyen wrote to EU leaders on 13 October 2026 urging faster returns of migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly in July and continued cooperation with Morocco. Spain's decree to speed those returns is still pending in Madrid ahead of the general election on 29 November.
- Sep 30
EU Commission proposes unified EUCCS communication network for 5 million emergency responders
The European Commission has presented plans for the EU Critical Communication System to connect police, fire, and medical crews across borders using 5G and satellites, with initial rollout set for 2030.
- Sep 26
Germany urges expanded Frontex powers and fast-track deportations after Ceuta border surge
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called for a 24-hour Frontex rapid reaction unit and fast-track deportation mechanisms during a migration summit in Munich with 18 European counterparts.
- Aug 8
Spain and Italy impose tit-for-tat border controls over Ceuta migration crisis
Spain imposed border checks on travelers from Italy after Rome refused to lift its own controls tied to the Ceuta migration crisis, escalating a dispute that strains the Schengen area.
- Aug 2
EU split over migration after 60,000 cross into Ceuta; 22 leaders demand border crackdown
After 60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, 22 EU leaders signed a letter calling for stronger external borders, while Spain accused some partners of 'selfish' reactions and Italy suspended Schengen rules.
- Jun 26
EU proposes extending protection for Ukrainians but excluding newly arrived men of military age
The European Commission proposed extending temporary protection for 4.4 million Ukrainians until 2028, but newly arriving men aged 23-60 would be excluded at Kyiv's request.
- Jun 12
EU's new asylum rules take effect: border screening, solidarity and uncertainty on day one
The Common European Asylum System (GEAS) entered into force on 12 June 2026, introducing faster border procedures, a mandatory solidarity mechanism and a list of safe countries of origin — though several member states remain unprepared.
- Jun 12
EU puts Migration and Asylum Pact into full effect, Greece rolls out fast-track rules and return hubs plan
On 12 June 2026, the European Union's long-awaited Migration and Asylum Pact came into full application across all 27 member states, introducing mandatory border screening, faster asylum procedures and a permanent solidarity mechanism. Greece, which adopted its national implementing law three days earlier, is now operating a four-pillar system with a push for offshore return hubs.
- Jun 12
EU Migration Pact enters force today, overhauling asylum rules as Ireland begins screening and Spain offers legal status to 500,000
The EU's Migration and Asylum Pact, a decade in the making, comes into force today, introducing tighter border checks and faster asylum procedures. Spain concurrently offers a path to legal status for up to 500,000 undocumented migrants.
- Jun 1
EU strikes deal on 'return hubs' to send rejected asylum seekers outside the bloc
European lawmakers and member states reached a provisional deal Monday to tighten migration rules, allowing the creation of offshore 'return hubs' for rejected asylum seekers.
