The European Union has finally broken the deadlock within its ranks to approve a new migrant deal, which will make is easier for EU countries to remove asylum seekers who submit unsuccessful bids stay in Europe.
Negotiators from the EU Council, Parliament and Commission thrashed out the plan overnight, as the bloc attempted to get a handle on the wave of migrants making it onto the continent.
The new rules will see asylum centres built in southern European countries, where most migrants arrive, with the aim of processing each arrival with 12 weeks and expelling immediately those who do not meet the requirements to enter.
In exchange for building the centres the EU’s inland states, that argue that those on the frontline should host arrivals, will have to either accept a quota of migrants or pay into a fund to help the bloc manage the crisis.
EU Commissioner said in a statement: “This Pact on Migration and Asylum will ensure that there is an effective European response to this European challenge.
“It means that Europeans will decide who comes to the EU and who can stay, not the smugglers. It means protecting those in need.
“This Pact will also ensure that Member States share the effort responsibly, showing solidarity with those that protect our external borders while preventing illegal migration to the EU.”
In October, EU members, Norway and Switzerland received 123,000 asylum applications, the highest figure for the second consecutive month since the 2015-16 refugee crisis, according to European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
EUAA said: “Given current trends, it is likely that the EU+ will receive well-over a million asylum applications by the end of 2023”.
European Parliament President took to X following the agreeement being reached, writing: “20th December 2023 will go down in history. The day the EU reached a landmark agreement on a new set of rules to manage migration and asylum.
“Europe has once again defied the odds. I’m very proud that with the Migration & Asylum Pact, we have delivered and provided solutions.”
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