Brunner: “The Middle East poses significant challenges, including on migration”

Brussels – The European Commission is preparing for the worst, namely a new migration crisis resulting from the war in Iran and Lebanon. “The situation in the Middle East raises significant challenges, including in the area of migration,” the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, acknowledged. Responding to a parliamentary question submitted by Emil Radev (EPP), the Commissioner assures that “for the time being, there are no increased migratory flows to the EU,” but he adds, never say never. 

“As the situation on the ground may evolve rapidly, the EU must be prepared and act decisively to address challenges, mobilizing its diplomatic, legal, operational and financial tools,” the Commissioner responsible for Migration stressed.  This is the EU executive’s call not to sit idly by, and an acknowledgment of a potential crisis that requires preparations to begin.

 https://www.eunews.it/en/2026/03/16/iran-conflict-eu-fears-for-food-security-and-a-new-migration-crisis/

After all, the uncertainty remains profound. The announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran has not yet resulted in any agreement between the parties, and the situation remains highly unstable and unpredictable. For this reason, Brunner highlights the possibility that the situation could change rapidly – and for the worse. 

“The Commission is addressing the evolving emergency needs on the ground by supporting partner countries,” Brunner said. This effort is being carried out not only through financial aid, but also “through cooperation with international organizations” such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), “in both immediate and longer-term response efforts.” 

As for the internal, EU-level front, “the Commission supports Member States to ensure the establishment of a well-prepared migration management system, including measures to ensure preparedness, contingency planning, and crisis response.” Emergency and crisis, two terms that convey the sense of concern felt in Brussels as in other European Union capitals. The EU is therefore taking action, in the hope that it will never actually have to deal with situations that it would prefer to avoid.