The European Union has finally completed the reform of its migration and asylum policy, after a decade of challenges and resistance from member states. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum includes stricter rules for screening applicants, health and security checks, and faster examination procedures. The main innovation is a system of “mandatory solidarity” that requires countries to relocate asylum seekers, pay a fee for each rejection, or provide operational support. Despite opposition from Poland and Hungary, the New Pact was ratified by a qualified majority of member states, marking a significant milestone in EU policy.
The road to reform was not easy, with the issue of irregular arrivals of asylum seekers creating division among member states since the 2015-2016 migration crisis. Southern states felt overwhelmed, while others demanded stronger border security and accountability. Far-right political forces capitalized on the situation, intensifying the political divide. The New Pact represents a compromise reached after years of negotiations, aiming to create a common, predictable rulebook for handling asylum seekers while addressing the concerns of different member states.
The provisional agreement on the New Pact was narrowly endorsed by the European Parliament in April, highlighting the ideological differences that persist among lawmakers. Humanitarian organizations also had mixed reactions, with some warning of potential negative impacts on asylum seekers’ rights. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described the New Pact as a significant step forward but acknowledged that challenges remain. The two-year timeline for implementation provides a window for member states to develop their national plans and address the operational needs of the reform.
The implementation phase of the New Pact is crucial to its success, as member states will need to submit their national plans by January and secure the resources needed to comply with the new rules. The European Commission will present an implementation plan in June, outlining the legal and operational aspects required for the reform. The budget allocated for the New Pact until 2027 is €2 billion, but additional funding may be needed if countries propose significant infrastructure developments and staffing increases. The enforcement of the rules will be key to ensuring the integrity of the system of “mandatory solidarity” and preventing non-compliant states from undermining the reform.
Poland and Hungary’s resistance to the New Pact raises concerns about compliance with the new rules, as both countries have expressed opposition to the system of “mandatory solidarity” and relocation mechanisms. The potential lack of compliance from these countries could weaken the reform’s effectiveness and hinder its central goal of ensuring all member states share the responsibility of asylum seekers. European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson has warned of legal action against non-compliant countries, but the process could be lengthy and complex, impacting the enforcement of the New Pact in practice.
The New Pact on Migration and Asylum represents a significant achievement for the European Union in addressing the challenges of irregular migration and asylum. Although the reform process was long and difficult, the agreement reached by member states marks a critical step towards a more coordinated and equitable approach to managing asylum seekers. The success of the New Pact will depend on the commitment of member states to implement and comply with the new rules, as well as ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of asylum seekers and uphold the principles of solidarity within the EU.
