The European Parliament has officially approved a groundbreaking overhaul of the European Union’s asylum and migration regulations.
Despite opposition from extremist parties, the parliament’s major political factions successfully passed the new migration and asylum pact after nearly a decade of comprehensive reform efforts.
Through a series of 10 votes, European lawmakers gave their endorsement to the regulations and policies outlined in the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
These reforms aim to address crucial issues surrounding the responsibility for migrants and asylum seekers upon their arrival, as well as the potential obligation for other EU nations to provide assistance.
Following the passage of the migration and asylum pact, parliament president Roberta Metsola declared, “History has been made.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the new rules as a “historic and essential step” for the EU.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson emphasized that the bloc will enhance its ability to safeguard external borders, protect vulnerable individuals and refugees, facilitate the swift return of ineligible individuals, and establish “mandatory solidarity” among member states.
Protesters disrupt the voting process
Outside the Brussels parliament premises, a group of demonstrators voiced their opposition to the vote, echoing concerns raised by over 160 migrant charities and non-governmental organizations.
At the start of the voting session, protesters in the public gallery interrupted proceedings by shouting, “This pact is deadly – vote against it!” until order was restored in the chamber.
Demonstrators wear a message on their shirts which reads “This pact kills” while standing in the visitors gallery, as Members of European Parliament participate in a series of votes, during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels [Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP Photo]
The legislation mandates that all EU member states share the responsibility for managing asylum applications in some capacity.
If a particular EU country refuses to accept asylum applicants, then…
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