Netherlands pushing taxes on unrealised gains. Spain made “temporary” wealth taxes permanent. Belgium now rolling out new capital gains taxes. You don’t need to be rich. You just need to OWN something.
The European Union has adopted a tougher stance on mass migration , implementing stricter border security measures and policies aimed at reducing the number of illegal migrants entering its territory. This approach has been influenced by rising anti-immigrant sentiment and the political success of far-right parties across Europe.
Former EU border force chief and current Member of European Parliament Fabrice Leggeri faces a judicial investigation in France over complaints logged by far-left open borders activists over alleged pushbacks of migrant boats in the Mediterranean.
In the latest apparent lawfare drive against those who seek to protect Europe’s borders from illegal immigration, the Paris Court of Appeal will reportedly investigate former Frontex boss Fabrice Leggeri for alleged “crimes against humanity”, Le Monde reported .
Former EU Border Force Chief Claims Some Trying to Turn Agency into ‘Humanitarian’ Group
Fabrice Leggeri, the former head of the European Union border agency Frontex, has claimed that some want the agency to behave as a humanitarian group, rather than act in their mandate as a policing force on the EU border.
The European Union border agency Frontex is incapable of fully carrying out its assigned mission to protect the bloc’s borders, according to the European Court of Auditors.
The report suggests that Frontex has been given too many responsibilities and not enough resources to carry them out efficiently, despite being on course to be one of the largest and most well-funded agencies in the European Union with an annual budget of €900 million.
The European Union is actively working to increase deportations of irregular migrants and rejected asylum seekers through new legislation and policies.
Key Recent Developments:
.
On March 26/27, 2026, the European Parliament voted 389 to 206 (with 32 abstentions) in favor of reforms to the EU Return Regulation. These measures aim to speed up deportations, impose harsher penalties for those who refuse to leave, extend detention periods (up to 24 months in some cases), and enable “return hubs” — offshore detention/processing centers in third countries outside the EU. The proposal allows member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to these hubs in countries they may have no prior connection to, as long as bilateral agreements exist. It also expands tracking, raids, surveillance, and sanctions on individuals subject to return orders. This builds on the broader EU Pact on Migration and Asylum , which takes effect in June 2026, and earlier steps like the Commission’s March 2025 proposal. Deportation rates have already risen: from 19% in 2023 to 27% in the first three quarters of 2025, with expectations of the highest rate since 2019.
Driving Factors and Support
An informal group of countries, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece , is leading efforts and pushing for agreements with third countries by the end of 2026. Political pressure from rising irregular migration concerns, far-right and center-right parties, and public opinion has shifted EU policy rightward. Some observers note parallels to U.S. approaches under Trump, including expanded enforcement. Italy and others have pursued similar external deals (e.g., with Albania).
Criticisms and Concerns Human rights groups like Amnesty International warn of risks including prolonged detention in “legal black holes,” potential violations of international protections, family separations, and reduced asylum safeguards. Critics argue the hubs could lead to indefinite holding or returns to unsafe conditions. France and Spain have questioned the effectiveness of some measures. Implementation will require further negotiations between the Parliament, Commission, and Council. This reflects a broader European trend toward stricter border controls and returns amid political shifts, with actual outcomes depending on third-country agreements and enforcement on the ground. For the latest details, check sources like the European Parliament or major news outlets.
