EU approves ‘more effective’ migration reforms, ahead of Europe-wide elections next month
- The overhaul consists of 10 pieces of legislation, which were supported by most EU member states. Hungary and Poland voted against the entire package
- The legislative package will only enter force in 2026, so it provides no immediate fix to an issue that has fuelled one of the EU’s biggest political crises
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.
A majority of European Union countries backed the reform’s 10 pieces of legislation, ensuring its passage despite opposition from Hungary and Poland.
“These new rules will make the European asylum system more effective and increase solidarity between member states,” said Belgium’s asylum and migration minister Nicole de Moor, whose country currently holds the EU presidency.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the reform still helps people fleeing persecution, while making “clear that those who do not need this protection cannot come to Germany or must leave Germany much more quickly”.
However, the vast reform package will only enter force in 2026, bringing no immediate fix to an issue that has fuelled one of the EU’s biggest political crises, dividing nations over who should take responsibility for migrants when they arrive and whether other countries should be obliged to help.
Critics say the pact will let nations detain migrants at borders and fingerprint children. They say it’s aimed at keeping people out and infringes on their right to claim asylum. Many fear it will result in more unscrupulous deals with poorer countries that people leave or cross to get to Europe.
