A more unified European approach to migration and asylum is on the horizon as the EU Parliament’s Asylum Contact Group nears completion of the reform. Representatives from the current Belgian Presidency of the EU Council and previous four rotating presidencies including Spain, Sweden, Czechia, and France convened for the final meeting, wrapping up 17 months of collaboration.
The main aim of the meetings was to finalize the EU migration and asylum rules before the 2024 European elections. This reform is expected to be more humane and fair towards those seeking protection in the bloc, while also implementing strict measures against those who are not eligible to remain in the EU and those who do not follow the rules.
EU Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, expressed optimism about the reform, stating that Europe will now have a robust legislative framework that functions and protects, ensuring a balanced and just approach. Elena Yoncheva, Chair of the Asylum Contact Group, echoed Metsola’s sentiments, emphasizing that the agreement paves the way for a more coherent system and addressing the shortcomings of the existing rules.
In December 2023, the EU reached an agreement to reform its asylum and migration policy. The agreement includes five regulations outlining how asylum and migration flows will be shared among the Member States, how Member States should deal with people at the EU’s external borders, and the processing of asylum applications. These regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the EU’s approach to migration and asylum in the coming years.
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