At the center of many negotiations, reform of the EU’s asylum policy is expected to pass a key milestone today, when the European Parliament will vote on several important articles, mainly relating to solidarity among member states in the reception of asylum seekers.

Immigration is once again high on the European agenda as asylum applications surge in the EU and refugees often die trying to cross the Mediterranean.

The European Commission introduced in September 2020 the “Pact on Migration and Asylum”, aimed at ensuring a better distribution of asylum seekers among member countries, another attempt at reforms after the refusal to introduce mandatory quotas after the 2015 migration crisis.

“The existing rules are not clear and the system is inefficient, these are the challenges that the Pact must meet,” said French MEP Fabien Keller, who proposed one of the texts to be voted on today. Civil Liberties and Home Affairs Committees of the European Parliament.

Those votes will then pave the way for negotiations between member states that “will not be easy,” the MEP acknowledged, recalling the goal of a final agreement before February 2024.

“We are faced with a choice: either the EU will reach a dead end in the field of immigration policy, or we will try to find constructive and common solutions,” said Swedish MEP Thomas Tobe. other text.

Under the existing rules – the Dublin Regulation – the country responsible for examining a migrant’s asylum application is the one from which he or she entered the EU, placing the greatest burden on Malta, Italy, Greece and Spain, the main countries of entry for immigrants. .

“Balanced Combination”

The reform proposal wants to strengthen the criterion for the presence of a relative of an asylum seeker in an EU country, while expanding the notion of family ties.

A solidarity mechanism is in place for Member States facing migratory pressures, especially those hosting migrants rescued at sea.

“Resettlement is the main way to reduce migration pressure” in countries facing large influxes of migrants. “However, member states can also contribute in other ways,” such as financial support, material assistance or personnel to these countries, Tobe explained, speaking of “a well-balanced combination that simultaneously offers solidarity and flexibility.” .

Another text up for a vote provides for accelerated border procedures for nationals of countries considered safe, who statistically have little chance of obtaining refugee status in the EU.

Over 880,000 asylum applications were submitted in 2022, mostly from Syrians, Afghans, Turks and Venezuelans. They were mostly filed in Germany, France, Spain and Austria, according to the latest data from Eurostat, which reported a 64% increase in applications compared to 2021.

Hungary registered the lowest number of asylum applications, only 45.

Source: APE-MPE, AFP.