With the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East and the opening of a new front in Lebanon, Europe is facing a potential new wave of migrant arrivals. The theme is set to be on the agenda of a meeting of interior ministers from the 27 EU member States scheduled for Thursday, March 5, in Brussels.
The escalating regional conflict in the Middle East and the opening of the front in Lebanon have raised concern in Europe over their potential impact on migration flows. The theme will be on the agenda of the EU Home Affairs Council, which will gather on Thursday (March 5) the Interior Ministers from all 27 member countries.
Representatives of EU member States and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner will discuss immigration, among other issues, focusing in particular on Lebanon and Libya -- key countries along the eastern and Central Mediterranean migration routes.
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Risks from civil war in Iran, Lebanese front
The European Commission is monitoring the situation in the Middle East over its potential impact on immigration. The theme was already reviewed during the Security College on March 2 and the EU executive promoted contacts with Turkey, considered a key actor in the current situation.
"There is a strong risk of civil war if there is a regime change, with potentially huge consequences for Europe given that we are talking about a country of 90 million people," a European source told ANSA.
The Lebanese front is also raising concern, with thousands of displaced people already fleeing the south of the country.
According to Lebanon's Social Affairs Ministry, some 58,000 people, including an estimated 16,000 minors, have been displaced by Israeli raids and forced evacuation orders over the past three days.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the dossier with Turkish President Recep Tayyp Erdogan. "I am grateful to President Erdogan for preparing for the potential impact of this crisis on migration," said von der Leyen.
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Progress on Eurodac database to be reported
The Commission is also set to provide an update on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is scheduled to come into force on June 12, 2026.
Progress will also be presented on the new Eurodac database, which should be ready to launch in June. Eurodac is the European Union's database storing biometric data of asylum seekers and irregular migrants registered in the EU's member States and in associated countries.
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