Major progress’ as EU gives fresh push to stalled migration pact
08/25/2022
The European Union appears to be closer than ever to reforming its migration system as home affairs ministers achieved “major progress” in the negotiations around a long-stalled pact on migration and asylum.
Among the main proposals of the new pact is a mechanism of “voluntary and temporary” solidarity that would get rid of mandatory relocation quotas, seen by many capitals as politically divisive.
The mechanism would be triggered when a country’s migration system is considered to be “under pressure” by a migration influx. Once activated, other EU countries would offer their assistance by:
-Hosting a share of the migrants in their own territory.
-Sponsoring the return of those whose applications to stay inside the EU have been rejected.
-Provide financial contributions and operational support to the country under pressure. The system was designed to placate the concerns of Southern countries, who often complain about being left to fend for themselves without any extra means or help, and those countries who are adamantly opposed to hosting refugees and could now be exempted of doing so if they agree to send money and assistance.
Darmanin said the mechanism offers a “great deal of flexibility” and is based “on choice”. He noted that “nearly all” member states had expressed support for the solidarity principle, up from only 10 countries at the beginning of his mandate. He did not name those who remain opposed to the deal.
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