The flow of illegal migrants setting out for Europe has not abated, and in the coming weeks and months a further increase can be expected, the Chief Security Advisor to the Prime Minister stressed on the Friday evening programme of the public service television news channel M1.

György Bakondi said the activity of migrants has significantly intensified also in the direction of Italy and Spain. It is a further observation that since the agreement between Spain and Morocco ever more migrants have arrived at the Canary Islands and in Portugal.

On the Balkans route, too, apprehensions are regular. Smaller groups are detained every day; however, not long ago 200 Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals were found in a lorry in North Macedonia.

The chief advisor also mentioned that in migrant camps there is coronavirus testing, and persons suspected of having contracted the virus can be quarantined. At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that the percentage of new arrivals actually coming into contact with the authorities is questionable. Those who cannot be tested pose a potential threat, he pointed out.

He said there has been a long-standing need for the European Union to find new solutions which serve security in the long run and which Member States are able to accept. There is also a need for a migration pact which lays down, among others, the protection of the external borders, the removal of ineligible migrants, and financial support to be provided for the issuer countries that can serve as a retaining factor for those who want to set out, Mr Bakondi underlined.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)