In a significant development, European Union (EU) member states have reached an agreement on revamping their regulations to effectively respond to surges in irregular migration. This breakthrough comes after extensive negotiations on the EU’s crisis mechanism and amid a drastic increase in arrivals on the Italian island of Lampedusa. The newly approved plan introduces the concept of “solidarity contributions,” which would enable countries facing migration crises to seek assistance from other member states.
European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen hailed this agreement as a “game changer” and expressed optimism that discussions with the European Parliament would progress swiftly, aiming to secure a comprehensive migration pact ahead of the 2024 European Parliament elections. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described it as a “historic turning point.” The urgency for a pan-EU deal has been building due to a sharp rise in the number of refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe this year. UN figures estimate that almost 190,000 individuals have reached southern European shores, with Italy alone receiving 133,000 people, while tragically, at least 2,500 are believed to have lost their lives attempting the perilous journey.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her anti-immigration stance, has highlighted the strain faced by frontline Mediterranean states coping with the substantial influx of migrants. A diplomatic dispute has also unfolded between Italy and Germany, with the former suggesting that the countries in which rescue ships are registered should bear the responsibility for those rescued.
The news of this agreement was announced by EU ambassadors in Brussels during a summit held in Granada, Spain. The EU outlined that member states would be equipped with a framework to flexibly adjust rules in times of asylum and migration crises. Countries experiencing such crises will have the option to request “solidarity contributions” from other EU nations, which could involve relocating individuals seeking asylum or protection, transferring responsibility for processing asylum claims, or providing financial aid and other forms of support.
The European Commission’s Vice-President, Margaritis Schinas, hailed this pact as the “last missing link” in the EU’s comprehensive migration package, emphasizing the importance of all member states sharing responsibility. However, Poland and Hungary have consistently refused to accept asylum seekers who have arrived in other EU countries. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Brussels of acting as a magnet for irregular migrants. Despite their opposition, the migration deal will not be undermined, as it requires a qualified majority of 15 EU member states representing 65% of the population.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska expressed optimism that the EU is now better positioned to reach an agreement with the parliament before the end of its term. It is worth noting that irregular migration is not confined to the Mediterranean region alone. Slovakia has reported approximately 40,000 individuals entering its borders, largely originating from Afghanistan and the Middle East. This influx has given rise to political tensions in Bratislava and other parts of Central Europe, prompting border controls to be imposed by Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
The EU’s Central European members, including Slovakia and Hungary, are part of the border-free Schengen zone. Temporary controls may be implemented in response to spikes in irregular migration. The Hungarian government also laid blame on Brussels for the increase in irregular migration, expressing hope for politicians in Brussels after the European Parliament elections in June who share a commitment to halting migration rather than facilitating it.
This landmark agreement within the EU marks a significant step towards better managing migration and asylum crises. By establishing a structured mechanism for solidarity contributions, member states can support one another in times of heightened migratory pressure. However, challenges may persist as certain countries remain resistant to hosting asylum seekers. It will be crucial for the European Parliament to ensure the successful implementation of this plan, promoting fair burden-sharing and effective responses to migration challenges across the EU.
