The EU Implements Fresh Regulations for Handling Migrant Arrivals and Establishing Consistent Procedures.
Key Points:
- The EU Council has ratified the updated migration and asylum pact.
- This move seeks to enhance the management of migrant arrivals and establish consistent, efficient procedures.
- Under the new pact, migrants will undergo screening at external borders, with responsibilities distributed among member states.
Today, the EU Council has formally approved the overhaul of the EU's migration and asylum framework, building upon the approval previously granted by MEPs.
By instituting a new framework, the EU is implementing fresh regulations to facilitate member states in managing migrant arrivals through regulated processes, establishing efficient and standardized procedures, and ensuring equitable burden-sharing.
The asylum and migration pact is designed to cultivate a more equitable and robust migration system that delivers tangible outcomes on the ground. These updated regulations will enhance the effectiveness of the European asylum system and foster greater solidarity among member states.
Belgian State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor, emphasized the significance of screening migrants and asylum applicants at external borders. Under the screening regulation, member states will conduct essential procedures for migrants and asylum seekers at external borders in a uniform manner, encompassing identification, security checks, and health assessments.
The Council has also revamped regulations governing asylum procedures and return border procedures for rejected applicants. The Eurodac database has been expanded to include additional information, including biometric data, on migrants, international protection applicants, and irregular entrants.
Additionally, the EU has revised regulations pertaining to asylum and migration management, crisis response, qualification, reception conditions, and resettlement. Through the adoption of ten legislative acts and the overhaul of the entire asylum and migration management framework, the EU seeks to fortify a fairer and more resilient migration system while bolstering solidarity among member states.
A notable feature of the reform is the introduction of a mandatory border procedure for certain categories of asylum seekers, particularly those from countries with low asylum recognition rates. This procedure aims to swiftly assess the validity of applications at the EU's external borders.
Furthermore, the updated regulations delineate the responsibilities of member states in processing asylum applications. The introduction of a solidarity mechanism ensures that responsibilities are equitably distributed among member states through relocation, financial contributions, or alternative solidarity measures.