The European Union is on the brink of a major decision that could reshape its immigration policies. On Wednesday, the EU will vote on a comprehensive overhaul that would toughen entry procedures for asylum-seekers and mandate all member countries to share responsibility.
The proposed migration and asylum pact, put forth by the European Commission in September 2020, aims to address the rising number of asylum applications in the EU, which reached 1.14 million last year, the highest level since 2016. Additionally, irregular migrant entries into the bloc have surged to 380,000 in the same period.
The reform has been a long time coming, with years of tensions and divisions among EU member states. If approved, the new rules would come into effect from 2026. The EU has also been working on agreements with external countries to curb the flow of migrants heading towards Europe.
While the overhaul has garnered support from some quarters, it has faced opposition from various groups, including the far right, far left, and certain socialist lawmakers. NGOs and migrant charities have raised concerns about provisions in the reform that could lead to the systematic detention of asylum-seekers.
Despite the criticisms, proponents of the reform argue that it will help the EU regain control over its external borders and alleviate pressure on member states. The solidarity mechanism included in the pact would require all EU countries to assist front-line states like Italy and Greece by either taking in asylum-seekers or providing financial support.
As the EU nears the final vote on this landmark asylum reform, the outcome of the decision could have far-reaching implications for the future of immigration in Europe.