European Union votes in favour of migration rules overhaul after nearly a decade of deadlock

The European Parliament on Wednesday (Apr 10) adopted the contentious reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules which hardens border procedures and forces all 27 member countries to take action after nearly a decade of deadlock.

About EU’s historic pact

“History made,” said Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a post on X after the passage of all 10 parts of the European Union Asylum and Migration Pact.

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The adoption of the new rules comes after nearly a decade of negotiations between member states and has been in the works since 2015.

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According to the European Commission’s website, the pact is based on four main pillars: secure external borders; fast and efficient procedures; an effective system of solidarity and responsibility; and embedding migration in international partnerships.

In line with the new rules, the existing database will be turned into a “a fully-fledged asylum and migration database,” which will not only count applications but also applicants, said the EU.

It would also implement controversial measures like collecting details including facial images, identity data, and copies of identity/travel documents from children as young as six, and people might also get detained during screening.

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Countries would also be allowed to deport those who cannot provide proof that they require protection. However, they will be provided with support for “reintegration into their home countries,” said the EU Commission.

The package, as per the EU officials, also includes measures to protect asylum seekers from abuse and urges countries to ensure adequate living conditions for them, while strengthening safeguards and guarantees and improving integration processes.

In line with the new rules, asylum seekers must apply for international protection in the EU country they first arrive in and stay there until their application is being considered. “The new framework ensures that EU countries will receive the solidarity needed,” says the Commission.

The pact would also embed “migration in international partnerships to prevent irregular departures and loss of life, fight migrant smuggling, reinforce cooperation on readmission and promote legal pathways,” said the EU.

‘Vote no!’

The passage of the pact was not without its opposition as the proceedings were briefly interrupted by a small but loud group of protesters who wore shirts marked “this pact kills” and shouted “vote no!” reported the Associated Press.

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The 27 nations of the bloc must now endorse the reform package before it can take effect. The pact has been criticised by anti-immigration, eurosceptic and right-wing parties who say that it is not stringent enough.

On the other hand, many leftists and rights activists have lambasted the pact as a major blow to human rights. The activists have said that the pact would allow for large-scale internment, including of children, and even allow member states to opt out of hosting new arrivals.

Rights groups have also criticised the EU for asking foreign states to handle migrants without what they say would be sufficient rights safeguards.

(With inputs from agencies)