The European Parliament has approved a sweeping makeover of the European Union’s (EU) rules on migration and asylum.
Called the “New Pact on Migration and Asylum,” this legislative package aims to create a unified approach to handle the flow of migrants and asylum seekers across the bloc.
These changes include stricter checks at borders, using biometric technology like fingerprints or facial recognition, and making it compulsory for EU countries to help each other out with asylum seekers and migrants.
However, the pact has faced criticism from both ends of the political spectrum and human rights organizations. This sets the stage for a contentious implementation process.
Streamlining border procedures and biometric surveillance
A key part of the reform plan involves setting up a comprehensive border filter system.
When irregular migrants enter the EU, they will undergo thorough checks to confirm their identity and health and to ensure that they are not a security threat. This includes biometric facial and fingerprint scanning.
This process might take as long as seven days.
The reforms also aim to speed up the processing of asylum seekers from countries with low protection rates, like Tunisia, Morocco, and Bangladesh.
These individuals will be processed in specific centers near the EU’s external borders. These centers can accommodate up to 30,000 people every year.
Mandatory solidarity mechanism and relocation quotas
While the Dublin III mechanism still stands, there are now extra factors that might result in asylum seekers being sent to other EU countries.
Importantly, a mandatory solidarity mechanism will be in place. This means that EU member states will have to take in a certain number of asylum seekers or offer other kinds of assistance, such as financial compensation or assistance with border security.
Safeguarding rights and addressing influxes
The reforms lay out provisions to deal with potential migrant influxes, giving member states the freedom to adjust their rules on asylum protections and detention durations during emergencies.
Strategies to stop organized migration flows from third countries, such as Belarus and Russia, are also emphasized.
Additionally, the concept of “secure third parties” will be part of the application process. This means that if a migrant traveled through a country deemed safe for protection, their request for asylum can be turned down, but only if certain strict conditions are met.
Concerns over human rights and implementation challenges
Despite assurances from EU officials about upholding fundamental rights, the reforms have drawn criticism from civil society organizations and human rights groups.
Concerns have been raised over the potential for arbitrary detention, including of children and families, increased racial profiling, and the risk of returning individuals to unsafe countries.
Experts have also expressed doubts about how the reforms will be put into practice, pointing out that the new system is complicated and some member states might not fully support it.
Tighter screening for travelers
The New Pact on Migration and Asylum will have far-reaching effects on travelers and long-term immigrants seeking to enter the EU.
Starting in mid-2025, a new system called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be in place. This system will require all travelers who do not need a visa to go through a screening process before they can enter the Schengen Area.
The changes outlined in the pact will make this screening process more thorough.
It will involve collecting a lot of biometric data, like fingerprints or facial recognition, and checking it against many different databases, including ones managed by organizations like Europol and Interpol.
The goal of this stricter screening is to find any potential security risks or threats to public safety, even among groups like families, children, or vulnerable groups.
National policies realigned
The New Pact on Migration and Asylum marks a big change in how the EU deals with immigration.
Member countries will need to follow the rules laid out in the pact. One key rule is the mandatory solidarity system, where countries share the responsibility of assisting migrants.
This means countries will either have to take in a certain number of asylum seekers or help out in other ways, such as financial compensation or border security assistance.
The goal is to ease the pressure on countries like Italy and Greece, which deal with a lot of migrants arriving first, while also promoting teamwork among all EU countries.
A delicate balance between security and compassion
The New Pact on Migration and Asylum is the EU’s latest effort to find a middle ground between addressing security issues and upholding humanitarian values.
Supporters believe that these changes will improve border security and make migration management more organized.
However, there are concerns from critics who worry that fundamental rights might be undermined, and that there could be too much focus on surveillance and control.
As the pact is put into action, people will be watching closely to see how well it balances security needs with protecting human rights. This balance will determine whether the pact is successful or not.