Between November 4th and 12th, the European Parliament put the Commissioners-designate to the test. Among the most closely watched were Magnus Brunner and Kaja Kallas, whose plans for internal affairs and foreign policy could define the EU’s trajectory in the coming 5 years.
Both candidates demonstrated extensive knowledge within their portfolios, however questions remain about their ability to balance security measures with the protection of human rights.
Brunner’s Pragmatic Approach to Internal Affairs
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner-designate for Internal Affairs and Migration, presented a structured vision emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to migration and security. He positioned himself as a pragmatic leader, leveraging his background in law and finance to propose solutions grounded in efficiency and enforcement. This approach led to questions about his suitabilityfor a portfolio centered on migration, an inherently humanitarian issue.
Migration and Integration
A central pillar of Brunner’s vision is the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which he aims to fully implement by mid-2026. This includes creating a digital border management system, expanding the Frontex Standing Corps to 30,000 personnel, and streamlining return processes through digitized case management.
The issue of return policies was a particularly contentious topic. Brunner advocated for a fair but decisive approach, where those with the right to stay would be assisted, while those without the right would be returned efficiently. He supported externalization as part of a “whole-of-route” strategy, claiming it was essential for stabilizing neighboring regions. However, this stance was sharply criticized by the Left, who labeled such policies as human rights violations, especially when discussing the Italy-Albania agreement, which was defined by Brunner as an innovative solution to evaluate.
In addition to addressing irregular migration, Brunner underscored the importance of legal migration to combat Europe’s ongoing labor shortages and demographic challenges. He pledged to advance the Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion (2021-2027), proposing a follow-up strategy aimed at aligning migrants’ skills with the needs of the EU labor market, thus facilitating their integration into both communities and the workforce.
Internal Security
On security, Brunner stressed his commitment to ensuring that Europe remains a safe place for all, vowing to accelerate the EU Strategy on Combatting Antisemitism and addressing anti-Muslim hatred. “Security must extend to all communities,” he asserted, advocating for inclusive dialogue with religious and philosophical organizations to foster societal cohesion.
The discussion on security was particularly intense, with the EPP highlighting the urgency of tackling issues like misinformation, radicalization, and organized crime amidst the ongoing conflicts in Europe. Brunner responded by proposing a European Internal Security Strategy, designed to strengthen cooperation between EU agencies. He linked the success of the Schengen area to the effective management of external borders. This position was challenged by the Greens, who criticized the prolonged use of internal border checks in some Member States, viewing them as a violation of the fundamental principle of free movement within the EU.
Kallas’ Iron Fist in Foreign Affairs
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, presented a clear and ambitious vision. However, her hearing was not without controversy, with parliamentarians questioning her stance on several fronts, particularly regarding her position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the EU’s military strategy.
Global Conflicts
Kallas began by underlining the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine amidst Russia’s aggression, stressing that Europe would continue to support the country “for as long as needed”. The EPP echoed the urgency of supporting Ukraine but questioned how the EU would sustain this support, especially if U.S. funding shifts under a new administration. Kallas was resolute, stating that the EU would not yield to aggressors, as “giving in to the oppressor only teaches them that violence gets results.” Her response received applause, reflecting an overall strong agreement in the Parliament.
When questioned about the Middle East, where tensions continue to escalate, Kallas affirmed the EU’s commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, emphasizing humanitarian aid as the core of its intervention. However, many MEPs criticized what they perceived as incoherence in her handling of the two situations, contrasting her firm stance on Russia with her more measured approach to Israel.
Defense Strategy
Security emerged as a major focus during Kallas’ hearing, with discussions centering on the need to bolster defense investmentswithin the EU. Agreeing with ECR and EPP members, Kallas acknowledged the urgency of addressing years of underinvestmentin defense, stressing that the EU must take a more proactive role in ensuring its security.
When questioned about the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO, Kallas appeared confident in the EU’s ability to adapt and ensure stability. “We must prepare for when war will come to our Union,” Kallas stated, emphasizing the need to enhance the EU’s defensive capacity. This, she argued, includes not only economic measures but also strengthening the EU’s military readiness, which would in turn reinforce NATO’s strategic capabilities. “NATO is a military alliance focused on defense strategies, while the EU is an economic union tasked with making these plans financially feasible,” Kallas explained, emphasizing that the two organizations have complementary roles.
Human Rights and the Rule of Law
While Kallas received broad praise for her commitment to human rights and democracy, the Left and Greens questioned her about the lack of emphasis on these issues in her mission letter. In response, Kallas affirmed that human rights would remain a strategic priority throughout her mandate.
“We must work closely with third countries and civil society organizations to ensure that human rights are part of every diplomatic conversation,” she explained. Kallas further emphasized the EU’s role in ensuring the rule of law globally, underscoring her intention to address human rights violations swiftly when they occur.
Africa, the Mediterranean, and Global Partnerships
Another major focus for Kallas was the Global Gateway Initiative, ensuring that these partnerships will be in respect the rule of lawand human rights. Kallas also addressed the EU’s relationship with Africa. She expressed her commitment to strengthening EU-Africa ties, emphasizing shared interests such as energy cooperation, migration, and raw materials. Kallas committed to making the 2025 EU-Africa Summit a key priority, ensuring that Africa is treated as an equal partner in future global agreements.
When questioned about the EU’s role in the Mediterranean, she reaffirmed the importance of stabilizing the region and tackling migration through partnerships with countries like Tunisia and Egypt. “We need a partnership with Africa that is equal, fair, and sustainable,” Kallas asserted. She also acknowledged the challenge of countering Russian propaganda in the Global South, agreeing that the EU should be more active in communicating its efforts to support development in these regions.
Kallas did not shy away from addressing other significant geopolitical concerns. On the issue of China, she reiterated that the EU must treat China as a strategic rival, especially given its indirect support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. She also acknowledged the importance of strengthening the EU’s ties with India, recognizing its growing political influence, and promoting a new EU-India Strategic Agenda. Lastly, she stressed that the EU must continue to engage actively with key regions like Latin America, Taiwan, and Central Asia, supporting democratic movements and addressing global challenges through multilateral cooperation.
Defending Human Rights in EU Security Policy
With the new policies outlined by Kallas and Brunner, the EU’s approach to migration, security, and defense is undergoing significant transformation. While their proposals are ambitious, they come with complex challenges, particularly for NGOs and Civil Society.
As the EU prioritizes military spending and bolsters border controls, critical questions arise: What will be the impact on humanitarian aid? Can human rights coexist with an increasing focus on security? And most importantly, who will ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the name of defense and border management?
Where’s the Money Coming From?
One of the most pressing concerns is funding. With the proposed increase in defense expenditure, a critical question remains: where will the money come from? The shift towards prioritizing military spending could divert much-needed resources away from essential services such as humanitarian aid, healthcare, and education.
This reallocation of funds risks weakening the support that NGOs and Civil Society Organizations provide to vulnerable communities, potentially exacerbating the already dire needs of those fleeing conflict, poverty, and persecution. As the EU shifts its focus toward defense, there must be careful consideration of the impact this has on the social sectors that are fundamental to stability and development.
Human Rights or Border Control: Can We Have Both?
Another critical issue is the protection of human rights. As the EU places increasing emphasis on border security and migration control, there is a real risk that human rights protections could be overlooked in favor of more restrictive policies. The growing focus on security might lead to policies that prioritize control over compassion, potentially undermining the fundamental rights of migrants and refugees.
In this context, NGOs and CSOs will have a vital role in ensuring that human rights remain at the core of EU policies. They will need to advocate for transparency, demanding evidence-based assessments to counter the rise of far-right rhetoric and exclusionary narratives. These movements often seek to undermine the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations. NGOs will be essential in holding the EU accountable, pushing for policies that prioritize human dignity over political expediency.
The Challenge of Equal Partnerships
Another critical issue for Kallas will be ensuring that the Global Gateway initiatives, particularly EU-Africa partnerships, are handled as truly equal collaborations. While Kallas emphasized shared priorities such as energy cooperation, migration management, and sustainable development, there are concerns about the risk of reinforcing an imbalanced power dynamic. Some MEPs argued that the EU must do more for Africa, not just as a partner in trade and resources but as a genuine ally in addressing long-standing challenges like poverty and instability.
It is worrying that when questioned about the EU’s reputation in Africa, Kallas focused primarily on improving communication efforts. This raises a key question: how is that different from simple propaganda? Building authentic partnerships requires action, not just improved messaging. The EU must go beyond optics and invest in fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial agreements that respect Africa’s sovereignty and prioritize the well-being of its people.
The Way Forward For The Next Five Years
As we face these pressing challenges, NGOs and CSOs have a crucial role to play in holding the EU accountable to its values of solidarity and human dignity. With growing concerns about funding, human rights, and the potential overreach of security measures, the next five years will be pivotal.
But the task cannot fall solely on the shoulders of civil society. It is essential for all of us—citizens, policymakers, and organizations—to ensure that human rights remain at the core of the EU’s actions. How can we, as a collective, work to protect those most at risk and ensure transparency in these shifting policies? Share your thoughts, engage in the conversation, and help ensure that human rights are not forgotten in the pursuit of security. Let’s continue to demand policies that put people first.