Migration is not a seasonal phenomenon; the pressure will likely stay. Our systems were not built with this
scenario in mind. Therefore we are seeing overstretches of capacity, loss of trust and credibility in our democratic governments and as a result the rise of populist political parties taking advantage of this situation. Moreover, thesolidarity between EU member states, which is eloquently laid down in Article 23 and Article 3(5)4 of the Treaty on European Union, seems to be have been weakened. This results in a decrease in cohesion inside the Union.
Our answers to the migration challenge must be comprehensive, credible and strategic. We should not
forget our values or our interests. How the Union will tackle the migration crisis will be the stress test for the
structures in Brussels and the capitals.

Currently, on average, 100 refugees a day arrive via the Western Balkans route and, unfortunately, the numbers seem to be rising. Therefore, Austria has been cooperating very closely with its partners in the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) since the closure of the Western Balkans route. The ultimate goal is to urge the EU to implement measures proposed by CEDC, especially in case the agreement with Turkey fails and the closure of the Western Balkans route is no longer intact.
Among the measures agreed upon was the organisation of a seminar on migration, as well as an expert workshop to discuss the problem and possible solutions.

Migration is an issue combining humanitarian aspects, employment, social welfare, security and many other
areas. The main responsibility for managing it lies with the EU member states. The European Commission and its agencies are performing well, but much more has to be done. And the EU has not stood idle in the face of this crisis. Making use of all the policy tools at its disposal, a number of important actions have been launched for a coordinated and coherent European response. A new approach to better manage migration through the establishment of partnership frameworks was set out at the European Council on 28-29 June, fully embedding the issue of migration in the EU’s overall foreign policy.
The European Global Strategy, which was welcomed at the same Council meeting, states very clearly, that ‘Together with countries of origin and transit, we will develop common and tailor-made approaches to migration featuring development, diplomacy, mobility, legal migration, border management,
readmission and return. We will work with our international partners to ensure shared global responsibilities and solidarity.’ Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), a member state tool to manage external crises, is most probably not the main instrument to tackle this complex issue.