EU Announces Significant Progress in Asylum Reform Negotiations
The European Union (EU) is set to revolutionize its asylum system following a major breakthrough in negotiation talks. Announced by the Spanish Council Presidency and the EU Commission, representatives from member states and the European Parliament have agreed on the corresponding legal texts. The primary goal is to reduce unauthorized migration into the EU.
In the midst of climate extremes and rising terror threats, the asylum reform is a notable development. Top officials gathered in Brussels, the EU's political hub, to discuss the fundamental changes to the asylum system. The agreement aims to tackle the issue of unauthorized migration, aiming for a significant overhaul of the EU's asylum system.
Asylum Reform Highlights
The "New Pact on Migration and Asylum" reform package includes the following key aspects:
- Strict Screening Procedures: The reform extends screening procedures to quickly identify, register, and refer individuals who have illegally crossed EU borders. Initial screenings must be completed within seven days at the border and three days for migrants without valid documentation.
- Standardized Asylum Applications: A new regulation on asylum procedures is introduced, aiming to standardize the application process across EU member states to boost uniform decision-making.
- Extended Border Return Procedures: Individuals whose asylum applications are rejected in the border procedure will be required to remain at or near the external border or in transit zones for up to 12 weeks while return and removal procedures are prepared.
- Migration Management Regulation: The regulation focuses on the overall management of migration flows within the EU, ensuring a coordinated response to the migration influx.
- Crisis Regulation: The regulation addresses crisis situations like migration emergencies, providing a comprehensive framework to effectively manage such situations.
- Expanded Eurodac System: The Eurodac database for asylum seekers and irregular border crossers will see an expansion, incorporating more biometric data and a wider range of individuals. The system will stay active for longer periods and will be linked to other EU databases.
- Qualification Regulation: A new qualification regulation will standardize who qualifies for protection and the rights of those granted asylum. The updated regulation aims to harmonize decision-making across EU member states and protect refugees and those in need of subsidiary protection.
- Revised Reception Conditions Directive: Ensuring dignity and respect, the revised directive ensures asylum seekers are treated well during their stay in the EU.
- Resettlement Framework: The common resettlement framework sets guidelines for the resettlement of refugees and humanitarian admissions, without forcing member states to accommodate resettled refugees.
- Strengthened EU Agency for Asylum: The former European Asylum Support Office has been transformed into the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), with a more robust mandate to oversee the implementation of the new asylum system.
Transitional Plan
The two-year transition period allows EU member states to develop national implementation plans and adjust accordingly, making necessary legal, administrative, and operational changes. The European Commission provided a comprehensive implementation plan to guide the transition process up until 2026.
