The Council of the European Union has officially adopted the reform of the EU migration and asylum pact today, following approval from MEPs. By implementing a new system, the EU is setting up rules to help member states manage migrant arrivals through regulated procedures, establish effective and uniform processes, and ensure the burden is shared evenly.
According to the Council, member states will now be able to conduct necessary procedures for migrants and asylum seekers at the external borders in accordance with the screening regulation. This regulation mandates that identification, security checks, and health evaluations be carried out uniformly, ensuring all member states follow the same procedures.
The Council has also revised the asylum procedure regulation to streamline the asylum and return border procedures, addressing the return of individuals whose applications have been rejected. The Eurodac database has been updated to allow authorities to collect more information, including biometric data, on migrants, international protection applicants, and those who have entered the EU irregularly. Additionally, the EU has revamped the asylum and migration management regulation, the crisis regulation, the qualification regulation, the reception conditions directive, and the resettlement regulation.
By adopting ten legislative acts and reforming the entire framework for asylum and migration management, the EU aims to create a fairer and stronger migration system while enhancing solidarity among member states.
The Council has highlighted that a key new element of the reform is the mandatory border procedure. This procedure will apply to specific categories of asylum seekers, particularly those from countries with low asylum recognition rates, according to the authority. The new regulations have also defined the member states responsible for handling asylum applications.
An essential modification is the implementation of a solidarity mechanism, guaranteeing fair and transparent distribution of responsibilities among member states.
Member states can contribute through relocation, financial support, or alternative solidarity measures.