Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) — The European Parliament has adopted a comprehensive reform of EU migration and asylum policies with the approval of ten key legislative texts. The new Migration and Asylum Pact aims to speed up asylum procedures, improve border security, and foster solidarity among member states.
The Migration and Asylum Pact introduces significant changes to how asylum applications are processed and handled at EU borders. Asylum claims will now be examined more quickly, including at border points, and new screening procedures will be established for third-country nationals entering the EU irregularly. These procedures will include biometric data collection, health checks, and mandatory security and vulnerability assessments.
A key aspect of the reform is the introduction of a crisis mechanism to respond to surges in migration, ensuring that countries facing exceptional influxes receive necessary support. Member states will now share responsibility for asylum seekers, either through relocation, financial contributions, or operational support, which aims to alleviate pressure on countries experiencing high migration flows.
The reform also includes improvements to the Eurodac database, enhancing the tracking of irregular migrants by storing biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. This will help authorities identify individuals who may pose a security threat or have a violent background.
Additionally, the asylum procedure will be streamlined to ensure faster processing times, particularly for unfounded or inadmissible claims, and applicants will be required to remain in the member state responsible for their application. Reception standards for asylum seekers will be standardized across the EU, ensuring access to basic services like housing, education, and healthcare.
The new pact also promotes safe and legal migration by introducing a resettlement framework, allowing EU countries to voluntarily resettle refugees from third countries through organized channels, ensuring a more secure and controlled migration process.
This landmark agreement is set to take effect within two years, once formally approved by the EU Council. It is a crucial step in reforming Europe’s asylum system while balancing security concerns with the protection of human rights. The new rules aim to enhance the EU’s ability to manage migration and respond to crises, all while maintaining the principles of solidarity and fair responsibility-sharing among member states.
