Episode 63, presented by Qualcomm: Dimitris Avramopoulos — Selmayrgate — Election fever

<p>Dimitris Avramopoulos, the European commissioner for migration, sets out how the Commission plans to fighting back against populist attempts to hijack the migration agenda.<br /> Avramopoulos outlines controversial tactics: working with hardliners to achieve one of their goals, controlled migration flows, but with different means.<br /> The Commission plans to propose next week a &quot;genuine border police&quot; to ensure a “controlled and orderly” migration system, and to increase returns of people whose applications for asylum are rejected.<br /> He calls populist leaders like Italy's Matteo Salvini “smart,” but says they &quot;do not offer practical European solutions on migration.“<br /> Our podcast panel discusses the EU watchdog's conclusion that the Commission possibly &quot;overstretched&quot; the rules in appointing Martin Selmayr as its top civil servant. And we also look at the latest maneuvering as the European election campaign gets into gear.</p>