Brunner's opening is a practiced exercise in balance & euphemism. He puts forward a "firm" approach to migration & "returns", and sets his top priority as developing an EU Internal Security Strategy. He's open to "new ideas" for the Migration Pact (EU-speak for externalisation).

He simultaneously posits himself as a champion of rights: "We must manage our border the #EuropeanWay, in full compliance with fundamental rights". BUT...