Monitoring the debate on the new pact on migration and asylum

Abstract

The New Pact on Migration and Asylum presented by the European Commission on 23 September 2020 aimes at representing a new start with regard to the whole of issues related to the management of the challenges posed by migrants, refugees and asylum seekers arriving in the European Union. High expectations were raised that the reform would truly address the pressing questions that are high on the political agenda in many European countries. The New Pact has provoked a controversial debate. International organizations, European institutions, Member States, civil society organizations, academics have commented the complex package of policies and legislative proposals. One of the most conflictive issues regard the external dimension in the migration and asylum fields. Some observers, in particular Governments and the Council, deem that the cooperation with third countries of origin and of transit or first safe haven represents an essential aspect of solution, having regard to the “success” of the agreements with Turkey and Libya in terms of the reduction of arrivals from these countries. Others are most critical with respect to the “externalization” of responsibilities and of the control of external borders. Another conflictive issue is the reform of the “Dublin” system, addressed in the Pact as part of the Regulation on Migration and Asylum Management. The Mediterranean Member States oppose the continuing attribution of responsibility for asylum seekers to countries of first arrival and the insufficient solidarity mechanisms. Other Member States refuse any obligation of accepting asylum seekers relocated from other Member States. For the time being, no solution is in sight to overcome these divergencies.