Migration is a complex issue. The safety of people who seek international protection or a better life has to be taken into account, as do the concerns of countries who worry that migratory pressures will exceed their capacities.
To address the interdependence between Member States’ policies and decisions, the European Commission has proposed a new EU framework that manages and normalises migration for the long term. This new system is designed to provide certainty, clarity and decent conditions for people arriving in the EU. It also allows Europeans to trust that migration is managed in an effective and humane way, fully in line with our values and international laws.
Building confidence
Based on a holistic assessment, the Commission has proposed a fresh start on migration, to build confidence through more effective procedures and strike a new balance between collective responsibility and solidarity.
More effective procedures
Introducing new border screening procedures, improving IT systems and adjusting rules for asylum claims
Well-managed Schengen and external borders
Reforming the Schengen Borders Code and introducing a new strategy on the future of Schengen
Effective solidarity
Improving relocation procedures for vulnerable groups and people rescued at sea
Legal pathways to the European Union
Attracting talent and supporting integration in local communities
International partnerships
Supporting other countries hosting refugees and fighting migrant smuggling
Flexibility and resilience
Ensuring a common and fast reaction to migration crisis
Clear responsibilities
More efficient procedures will ensure clearer responsibilities, helping to restore trust between Member States while bringing clarity to applicants. The rules will improve the link between key processes, notably asylum and return.
- identification
- health checks
- security checks
- fingerprinting and registration in the Eurodac database
- Where applicable, followed by swift return procedure, to speed up decision-making and make asylum procedures more efficient
- Improved Eurodac database, contributing to the fight against irregular migration
- Focus on applicants rather than application to determine responsibility for asylum claims
- Deter unauthorised movements to other Member States
- Facilitate relocation and better monitoring of returnees
- Track support for voluntary departure and reintegration
- Independent monitoring mechanism to ensure respect of fundamental rights, supported by the Fundamental Rights Agency, Frontex and the new EU Agency for Asylum
- Individual assessment of asylum claims and essential guarantees protecting access to asylum, the right to liberty, the rights of the child, as well as the right to an effective remedy
Solidarity
Flexibility for Member States:
- Relocation of recently-arrived persons
- Immediate operational support
- Longer-term support to build capacity on asylum procedures
- Reception of newcomers or return operations
- Assistance in responding to specific migratory trends affecting Member States through cooperation with non-EU countries
Tailored solidarity responses for specific scenarios:
- Relocation of those likely in need of protection
- Early identification of needs through a yearly foresight report
- Solidarity pool of national contributions, based on voluntary pledges
- Correction mechanism to guarantee effective support
- Relocation extended to recognised refugees
- Contributions based on Member States’ fair share
- Correction mechanism to guarantee effective support
- Relocation extended to persons in the border procedure, those in an irregular situation and those in immediate need of protection
- Faster reaction at EU level through swift decision on contribution
- Solidarity mechanism focused on relocation
An inclusive approach
- Intensive preparatory work since December 2019
- Two full rounds of consultations with all Member States, the European Parliament, national parliaments, civil society, social partners and business
- Careful balance integrating all perspectives
- Next steps: consideration by European Parliament and Council
- In September 2022, the European Parliament and the five rotating Council Presidencies have agreed on a Joint Roadmap on the organisation, coordination, and implementation of the timeline for the negotiations on the Pact.
- The co-legislators confirmed their commitment to make all efforts towards the adoption of the legislative proposals before the end of the 2019-2024 legislative period.
- The Commission stands ready to work with the European Parliament and the Council to ensure smooth and fast agreement on the Pact.
Documents
Migration and Asylum Package: New Pact on Migration and Asylum documents adopted on 23 September 2020
Documents associated with the Migration and Asylum Package