Europe (Washington Insider Magazine)— The recent agreement on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum has sparked criticism from Amnesty International, warning that it could set back asylum rights across Europe. The pact, developed by the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and the European Parliament, introduces stricter regulations that Amnesty argues will lead to increased suffering for people seeking asylum.
Amnesty’s European Institutions Office Director, Eve Geddie, expressed concern over the new measures, which she believes will reduce protections for asylum seekers at every stage of their journey. Geddie stated, “This agreement will set back European asylum law for decades, leading to a rise in human suffering as people face greater obstacles in seeking safety.”
The new regulations are expected to channel more people through rapid border asylum processes, often lacking full assessments of their claims. This, Amnesty warns, may result in de facto detention for families and vulnerable individuals, with limited access to fair asylum procedures. The pact also falls short of supporting frontline countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece, allowing other EU nations to bypass solidarity by opting to fund border security rather than participate in relocation efforts.
The pact includes opt-out provisions for countries facing “increased arrivals” or situations deemed “force majeure.” These exceptions, Amnesty cautions, could result in violations of international human rights laws and normalize emergency measures, undermining the right to asylum.
The EU’s reliance on non-EU nations to manage migration, building upon partnerships with countries like Libya and Türkiye, further risks displacing Europe’s asylum responsibilities. Amnesty has called for renewed EU commitment to human rights and accountability for abuses at borders, arguing that without these, the pact may only exacerbate the challenges facing Europe’s asylum system.
Amnesty International continues to urge the EU to prioritize humane and sustainable solutions, advocating for improved reception conditions and safe pathways to asylum that uphold the rights and dignity of those seeking refuge in Europe.