The European Union tightens asylum rules by approving a new migration deal

For many, this is a historic vote; Others say the new rules are controversial. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Migration constitutes a European challenge, which requires a European response, and the new charter is a great achievement.”

Supporters of the agreement want the new rules approved so they can better compete in the upcoming European elections in June against far-right parties, which are growing in popularity. Human rights groups, including the European Council for Refugees and Exiles (a coalition of 122 NGOs), Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have described the agreement as “cruel” and a “disaster”, saying it will lead to more suffering and less protection for asylum seekers. .

On the other hand, 22 civil society organizations, such as the International Rescue Committee, the Danish Refugee Council and Oxfam, said in a statement that although the agreement reduces refugee access to Europe, it “also has the potential to achieve a more coordinated solution.” A predictable and protection-focused approach to resettlement in the EU.

Major changes

After years of stagnation, lobby In large numbers, members of the European Parliament approved the ten legislative texts of the new charter, designed to speed up the asylum process. Among the major changes, the agreement establishes, for the first time on a permanent basis, quotas obligating all member states to accept a certain number of migrants. Otherwise, governments must pay 20,000 euros per person into a common EU fund.

Another change is related to crises; For example, a country experiencing an unusual migration influx will be able to apply to the European Commission and must either resettle asylum seekers or receive a larger financial contribution. Poland and Hungary are the bloc countries most opposed to this agreement.