EU launches toughest migration reform yet: what will change
8 December 22:58
The European Union countries have agreed on their final negotiating positions on key migration policy reforms: new asylum rules, a list of “safe countries of origin” and a unified system for returning illegal migrants. This brings closer the adoption of one of the most ambitious packages of migration laws in recent years. Reuters writes about it, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
Despite the protests of more than 200 human rights organizations, the basic proposals of the European Commission remain unchanged and have a high chance of being approved in the near future.
What exactly did the EU countries agree on
1. New asylum rules
An EU member state will be able to reject an asylum application if a person could theoretically receive protection in a “safe third country.” This allows individual countries to transfer the processing of applications to states that the EU recognizes as safe.
This opens the way for applications to be processed outside of Europe – in countries with which the EU will conclude relevant agreements.
2. Common list of “safe countries of origin”
The list is proposed to include:
- all EU candidate countries,
- Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
If this list is adopted, deportation procedures and rejection of applications will be faster.
This means that citizens of these countries are more likely to be denied asylum.
3. A pan-European system of return of migrants
The new regulation provides for
- clear obligations for people who have received a departure order,
- the possibility of imprisonment for refusing to leave the EU voluntarily,
- creation of special “return centers” in member states.
“Solidarity Pool” for 2026
The EU has also agreed on the amount of aid to the countries that receive the most migrants:
- 21,000 relocations,
- 420 million euros of financial support,
- or other forms of assistance.
Position of the reform supporters
Countries that support stricter rules argue that it will
- reduce the influx of illegal migration,
- make risky maritime routes meaningless,
- allow for faster decisions on the status of asylum seekers.
“The majority of member states support processing applications in safe third countries,” said Danish Migration Minister Rasmus Stocklund.
Criticism of human rights activists
Human rights activists warn that the reform may
- violate the principles of the Geneva Convention,
- lead to long-term detention of people in legal uncertainty
- create risks to the rights of asylum seekers.
Amnesty International called the EU’s approach “dehumanizing” and “punitive”.
After the EU Council approves the position, a difficult stage of negotiations is expected with the European Parliament, which has not yet approved its final position. However, judging by the current documents, Brussels is already close to adopting the most ambitious migration reform in the last decade.
