Dodi Irawan
BERLIN — German Free Democratic Party (FDP) politician, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, has issued a stark warning about the potential deliberate use of migrants as part of hybrid attacks against the European Union’s external borders. She urged the implementation of a comprehensive EU-wide emergency plan and the development of asylum procedures in third countries to curb this increasingly complex threat. This statement, made in early 2026, underscores the urgency of border security amidst global geopolitical turmoil.
Strack-Zimmermann, an influential figure in German foreign and defense policy, emphasized her conviction that there is deliberate exploitation in the waves of migrants. “I am sure that migrants have been deliberately used,” she stated, pointing to an organized pattern behind sudden or excessive migration flows at vulnerable points.
Hybrid threats are strategies combining conventional and unconventional methods, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and in this context, the manipulation of migration flows to create political and social destabilization in target countries. This situation is not new, but the intensity and alleged orchestration behind recent incidents have sparked serious concerns in Brussels and other European capitals.
The FDP politician asserted that the European Union cannot remain passive in the face of such tactics. According to her, a coordinated and proactive response is essential to protect Europe’s territorial integrity and fundamental values. Her proposed emergency plan would include concrete measures to effectively identify, prevent, and respond to hybrid attacks.
One of the main pillars of Strack-Zimmermann’s proposal is the establishment of mechanisms for processing asylum applications in third countries. This idea has long been debated within the EU as a way to reduce pressure on external borders and disrupt human smugglers’ business models, while ensuring protection for those genuinely in need of asylum.
“We need a clear plan to protect Europe,” Strack-Zimmermann affirmed, highlighting the necessity of a long-term strategic vision. This plan would address not only the physical security aspects of borders but also the legal and humanitarian dimensions of the migration crisis.
These remarks come amid escalating tensions in several of the EU’s eastern border regions, where some member states report an increase in illegal crossings suspected of being part of destabilization campaigns. Intelligence reports from various European security agencies also indicate the involvement of non-state actors or even certain states attempting to exploit migration as a geopolitical tool.
The concept of asylum in third countries, if implemented, would allow the EU to process applications outside its territory, for instance, in partner countries in North Africa or the Middle East. This measure is expected to deter migrants from undertaking perilous journeys across sea and land, while still guaranteeing their rights under international law.
Despite strong support from some member states, such a proposal also faces significant challenges, particularly concerning aspects of international law, human rights, and agreements with third countries willing to partner. Debate over its practical implementation is expected to be a key agenda item in the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union throughout 2026.
The issue of migration has been one of the most pressing challenges for the European Union for over a decade, causing divisions among member states. Migration pressure stems not only from global conflicts but also from economic issues. For example, a report from Istat indicates that southern Italy faces significant brain drain, with thousands of graduates leaving the country. This highlights the multilayered complexity of the migration phenomenon.
The implementation of an EU emergency plan will demand closer coordination among border agencies like Frontex, as well as more efficient intelligence sharing. Furthermore, substantial investment in surveillance technology and border infrastructure will be required to confront the evolving modus operandi of hybrid attacks.
Strack-Zimmermann believes that only through a comprehensive and integrated approach can Europe fortify itself against threats aimed at undermining its internal cohesion and regional stability. This is a call for unity and decisive action for the future of the continent.
