Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and national governments have successfully forged an agreement to revamp the European Union's asylum and migration laws

In a historic development, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and national governments have successfully forged an agreement to revamp the European Union's asylum and migration laws. This comprehensive deal encompasses five key regulations, delineating the distribution of responsibilities for managing asylum and migration flows among EU Member States. The regulations also address the treatment of individuals arriving at the bloc's external borders, the processing of asylum applications, and the identification of those entering.

The Migration and Asylum Pact, hailed as a milestone by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, comprises the Screening Regulation, Eurodac Regulation, Asylum Procedures Regulation, Asylum Migration Management Regulation, and Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation. Metsola expressed her satisfaction, emphasizing that this legislative package is the most significant accomplishment of the current mandate.

"We have delivered the most important legislative package of this mandate. Europe will now get a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States. That functions and that protects, an approach that is humane and fair with those seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong with those who exploit the most vulnerable," stated President Metsola.

One noteworthy aspect of the new regulations is the introduction of mandatory solidarity for EU Member States facing migratory pressures. These states will have the option to either relocate asylum seekers within their territory or provide financial contributions to the countries accepting them. The regulation also establishes criteria for determining when an EU Member State becomes responsible for examining international protection applications, replacing the existing Dublin rules.

To address the challenges posed by a high influx of third-country nationals, the Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation outlines a mechanism ensuring solidarity and support for Member States facing such circumstances. The rules also account for situations where migrants are exploited by third countries attempting to destabilize the EU.

Under the Screening Regulation, individuals not meeting EU entry rules will undergo a pre-entry screening procedure lasting up to seven days. This procedure involves identification, collection of biometric data, and health and security checks, with a particular focus on the needs of children. Each EU Member State will implement a monitoring system to safeguard fundamental rights.

The Asylum Procedures Regulation establishes a common EU-wide procedure for granting and withdrawing international protection, streamlining the process to ensure faster decisions. The reform of Eurodac aims to enhance the efficiency of identifying individuals arriving at EU territory by incorporating facial images alongside fingerprints.

President Metsola highlighted the success of delivering this legislative package before the end of 2023, labeling it a significant achievement for the pro-European center. The agreement must now undergo formal adoption to become law, marking a pivotal step in reshaping the EU's approach to asylum and migration. By fLEXI tEAM