EU: MEPs Approve the New Migration and Asylum Pact

Apr 26, 2024 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

The European Parliament has recently had a go at its new migration and asylum pact. The main aim is to reduce the burden on local authorities. Faster processing of asylum applications and swifter return procedures to the countries of origin is the main focus. Also, a better identification system on arrival is to be introduced.

The European Parliament as well as the Council agreed on a new migration and asylum package last December, which has now been finally adopted by the European Parliament.

In particular, EU countries under strong migratory pressure will be supported in their migration policies. Other Member States are expected to contribute by allowing asylum seekers who enjoy international protection to move to their territory.

At EU borders, third-country nationals will also be checked. In a procedure of up to seven days, individuals are to be clearly identified before entry, all biometric data are to be recorded, and health and security checks are to be conducted.

A new, common and faster asylum procedure for granting or revoking international protection will be introduced throughout the EU. The processing of asylum applications at the borders of the EU will be required to be faster in the future. There must also be shorter deadlines for unfounded or inadmissible applications.

Data (fingerprints and facial images) of persons entering the EU illegally will be stored in the revised Eurodac database. This will also allow authorities to determine whether a person could be a security risk, has a history of violence or has been armed in the past.

The Council must now formally approve the pact. The new rules will then enter into force once they have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Press release of the European Parliament (10 April 2024)