What role does Putin play in migration from the Middle East and how is the EU preparing for a new wave of refugees?

Vladimir Putin is considered by European Union officials to be the 'main factor' driving migration to Europe, due to his involvement in conflicts over the past decade, said EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner. He highlighted Putin's support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, which contributed to the migration crisis of 2015-2016, and mentioned the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on migration.

In the context of the current conflict in Iran, Brunner stated that Putin continues to support the regime there, which could lead to a new migration crisis. Unlike in 2015, when Europe welcomed refugees with open arms, now European countries, such as Italy and Denmark, are calling for stricter measures to prevent a massive influx of migrants. Brunner acknowledged that the EU is better prepared to manage migration, considering the new asylum procedures and biometric controls at the border.