In a significant move aimed at overhauling the European Union's approach to migration and asylum, the EU Council has adopted a comprehensive set of rules designed to manage arrivals more effectively, streamline procedures, and ensure equitable burden-sharing among member states.
The adoption of the asylum and migration pact marks a pivotal moment in the EU's efforts to address migration challenges and create a fairer and more robust system. These new regulations are poised to enhance the efficiency of the European asylum process while promoting greater solidarity among member states. The EU also reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with third countries to tackle the root causes of irregular migration, emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing global migration issues.
#UPDATE The EU on Tuesday gave the final green light to a landmark overhaul of its migration and asylum policies that will see hardened borders and responsibility shared among member states. pic.twitter.com/2cQq5jrRxA
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 14, 2024
Key Reforms to EU Asylum and Migration Framework
The Council's adoption includes ten legislative acts that comprehensively reform the EU's asylum and migration management system.
- The screening regulation enables national authorities to refer irregular migrants and asylum applicants at external borders to appropriate procedures, ensuring uniformity in identification, security, and health assessments.
- Updates to the Eurodac database enhance data collection on various migrant categories, aiding policy formulation and improving migration control.
- The asylum procedure regulation streamlines asylum procedures and introduces a mandatory border procedure in specific cases.
- The return border procedure regulation addresses the return of individuals whose border procedure applications are rejected.
- The asylum and migration management regulation determines member state responsibilities for examining international protection applications and introduces fair responsibility-sharing mechanisms.
- The crisis regulation equips the EU to handle asylum applications in exceptional circumstances effectively.
Emphasis on Fairness and Solidarity
A central feature of the reform is the introduction of a mandatory border procedure, aimed at swiftly assessing the validity of asylum claims at EU borders. Additionally, new rules clarify member state responsibilities for asylum applications and introduce a solidarity mechanism to ensure equitable burden-sharing.
Preparing for Implementation
Member states now have two years to implement the adopted laws. The European Commission will present a common implementation plan to assist member states in this process, underscoring the EU's commitment to effective and coordinated action on migration and asylum.
Background and Timeline
The asylum procedure regulation and other components of the pact on migration and asylum were proposed by the European Commission in September 2020. Following extensive negotiations, agreement was reached between the Council presidency and the European Parliament in December 2023. The European Parliament endorsed the pact in April 2024, paving the way for its adoption by the Council.
(Source: European Council of the European Union)
