Fico, Orbán, and Vučić: A Trilateral Approach to Migration
In a recent meeting held in the Slovak town of Komárno, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić presented a united front in their approach to the ongoing migration crisis. They expressed confidence in their unique formula for addressing the complexities of migration, which they believe sets them apart from their counterparts in Western Europe.
During the meeting, Fico outlined their vision for managing migration, emphasizing the importance of establishing camps in migrants’ countries of origin or in safe third countries. “We are discussing the interception of migrants before they reach Europe and implementing a robust return policy,” Fico stated. He highlighted a concerning statistic: “Of the 100% of illegal migrants entering Europe, 80% remain, while only 20% are successfully returned.”
The leaders seemed to draw inspiration from the Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s model of hot spot outsourcing, which was initiated in Albania. Orbán criticized the current European migration pact, asserting, “There is a rebellion in Brussels against migration. The pact is part of the problem, not the solution. The only effective way to tackle the European migration crisis is through stringent border protection and halting migration altogether. This is our mission here.” He noted the stark reality of the situation: “In 2023, a decision was made to return 430,000 illegal migrants from EU countries, yet only 84,000 have been sent back so far.”
In a show of solidarity, both Fico and Orbán, as EU member state leaders, pledged their unwavering support for Vučić’s aspirations for Serbia to join the European Union. “By collaborating, we have achieved significant outcomes. Although it has been challenging, this year has seen an 80% reduction in migrant numbers compared to last year. We will persist in our joint efforts, and I am confident that positive results will follow,” Vučić declared. He further noted, “Currently, there are only 477 migrants residing in Serbia’s reception centers. We will continue our work in the interests of Europe and our allies, our brothers in Hungary and Slovakia.” However, Vučić firmly asserted, “Serbia will never serve as a host for migrant camps on behalf of other countries, as has been proposed in Albania.”
What’s in it for Belgrade?
As Slovakia and Hungary, both EU member states, position themselves to leverage Serbia’s geographical advantage in curbing migration at their borders, one might wonder what Serbia stands to gain from this trilateral cooperation. Oliver Röpke, the president of the European Economic and Social Committee, cautioned against overestimating the benefits. “It is essential to understand that there cannot be a fast track to EU membership without meeting all the necessary criteria. While some countries may advocate more strongly for enlargement, it is crucial that this process remains substantive and merit-based, including input from civil society,” Röpke explained.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive migration policy, stating, “We have consistently advocated for a balanced approach to migration that includes legal pathways. It is vital not to focus solely on the swift deportation of irregular migrants, but rather to consider a well-rounded strategy.”
The new trilateral format appears to be gaining traction even as the Visegrad Group faces differing opinions regarding the Ukrainian crisis. Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia align in their relatively accommodating stance towards Russia, contrasting sharply with Poland and the Czech Republic, which have embraced a more anti-Kremlin, pro-transatlantic position.
Andrej Matisak, a Slovak author and journalist, remarked, “The BBB (Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade) format serves as an opportunistic platform for like-minded leaders to exchange ideas. However, it will not replace the Visegrad Group, as its funding remains significant.” He concluded by noting, “For Serbia, having two advocates (Hungary and Slovakia) within the EU regarding enlargement discussions is undeniably beneficial.”