The European Parliament is poised to vote on new laws concerning immigration and asylum, with various proposals sparking intense debate and division among lawmakers and stakeholders. The ‘New Pact on Migration and Asylum,‘ initially put forth by the European Commission in September 2020, aims to establish a unified approach to migration within the EU. Despite years of deliberation and negotiation, many aspects of the proposed pact remain contentious as the vote approaches on Wednesday (April 10, 2024).
While efforts have been made to address tensions and disagreements among member states, significant opposition persists from NGOs, migrant charities, and rights organizations, who argue that the pact could undermine human rights.
Opinions on the proposed reforms diverge across the political spectrum within the European Parliament. The center-right European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the Parliament, largely supports the draft pact. EPP leader Manfred Weber views the new migration rules as a means to regain control over external borders and alleviate pressure on the EU. The solidarity mechanism, which mandates all EU countries to assist southern border states like Italy and Greece, has garnered widespread support, including from human rights organizations.
However, concerns persist among some MEPs, particularly on the left. Left-wing MEP Raphael Glucksmann warns against provisions that could jeopardize asylum-seekers’ rights, such as sending them to “safe” third countries. He also criticizes compromises allowing countries to offset their financial obligations under the solidarity mechanism, arguing that it could lead to outsourcing border security.
Meanwhile, far-right MEP Jean-Paul Garraud deems the pact inadequate in addressing border security concerns. He contends that proposed measures, such as biometric data collection, cannot curb irregular immigration.
Despite the upcoming vote, the fate of the pact remains uncertain. Even if adopted, its technical implementation and operational procedures still require clarification. MEP Fabienne Keller emphasizes the need for adequate resources and logistical support to establish effective border centers.
Moreover, the pact’s full implementation is not expected until 2026, highlighting EU policymaking’s complex and protracted nature in migration and asylum.