Key facts
- The EU's comprehensive new rulebook on asylum and migration has entered into force.
- The pact aims to expedite asylum procedures, redistribute asylum seekers, and accelerate deportations.
- Critics contend the new rules infringe upon the fundamental rights of migrants and refugees.
- A controversial element allows for 'return hubs' outside EU territory for rejected asylum seekers.
- EU ambassadors are set to discuss opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
- A revised EU budget proposal with a 2% cut has been presented for debate.
The European Union's significant overhaul of its asylum and migration policies has officially taken effect, introducing a new rulebook designed to streamline procedures and redistribute the responsibility for asylum seekers among member states. EU migration chief Magnus Brunner stated that the bloc's approach aligns with the views of Pope Leo XIV regarding the protection of migrants.
Brunner's comments came as Pope Leo XIV visited Spain's Canary Islands, a key migrant route, and spoke about the moral imperative to address migrant deaths. The new EU Pact on Migration aims to expedite asylum processes, shift the burden from frontline nations like Spain, and hasten the return of individuals deemed ineligible to stay. However, the reforms have drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, who argue they undermine the fundamental rights of migrants and refugees. Concerns have been raised about the potential for 'return hubs' located outside EU territory for processing rejected asylum claims, and the perceived lack of genuine solidarity among member states, with only an estimated 9,000 relocations expected under the voluntary mechanism, falling short of a 30,000 target.
In parallel, EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet to discuss opening accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, a move made possible after Hungary lifted its veto. This discussion is a crucial step before an intergovernmental conference planned for Monday. Separately, ambassadors will debate a revised EU budget proposal tabled by the Cypriot presidency, which includes a 2% cut amounting to €32.8 billion. This proposal has already faced strong opposition from 'frugal' countries like the Netherlands and Sweden, as well as 'Friends of Cohesion' and Italy, due to its impact on cohesion and agricultural funds.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has defended her department, the European External Action Service (EEAS), amidst ongoing discussions about reforming the bloc's diplomatic service to enhance agility in a volatile global landscape. Meanwhile, the EU is also working to shield households from energy price spikes by strengthening financial tools related to new carbon costs for buildings and transport. In other news, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama reiterated claims of Iranian cyberterrorism, while the US imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company.