The EU Parliament has narrowly passed comprehensive reforms to the European Union’s migration and asylum policy, despite vocal opposition from both the right and left wings. Poland’s authorities have already declared the country would not agree to the EU relocation mechanism.
During Wednesday’s session, the parliament reviewed and endorsed ten legislative texts integral to the pact, overcoming resistance from activists in Brussels who vehemently opposed the agreement.
Originally proposed by the European Commission in 2016, the reform faced hurdles, particularly concerning the contentious issue of compulsory relocation, which led to its stalling among some member states.
However, following negotiations, a revised version of the pact was put forward, garnering approval from the European Parliament after preliminary agreement with the Council of the European Union in December 2023 and presentation by the European Commission in 2021.
The revised pact introduces two key mechanisms aimed at supporting member states grappling with migration pressures. Notably, activation of the voluntary solidarity mechanism outlined in the regulation on migration and asylum management entails the annual relocation of a minimum of 30,000 individuals. Alternatively, member states may opt to provide financial contributions of EUR 20,000 for each person not admitted to or participating in operations at the Union’s external borders.
Additionally, the enhanced solidarity mechanism, designed to address emergencies where the influx of migrants overwhelms the system’s capacity, offers member states flexibility in choosing assistance pathways.
Originally proposed by the European Commission in 2016, the reform faced hurdles, particularly concerning the contentious issue of compulsory relocation, which led to its stalling among some member states.
However, following negotiations, a revised version of the pact was put forward, garnering approval from the European Parliament after preliminary agreement with the Council of the European Union in December 2023 and presentation by the European Commission in 2021.
The revised pact introduces two key mechanisms aimed at supporting member states grappling with migration pressures. Notably, activation of the voluntary solidarity mechanism outlined in the regulation on migration and asylum management entails the annual relocation of a minimum of 30,000 individuals. Alternatively, member states may opt to provide financial contributions of EUR 20,000 for each person not admitted to or participating in operations at the Union’s external borders.
Additionally, the enhanced solidarity mechanism, designed to address emergencies where the influx of migrants overwhelms the system’s capacity, offers member states flexibility in choosing assistance pathways.
The vote
The regulation introducing the mechanism of so-called voluntary solidarity was accepted by the votes of 301 deputies, 272 were against, and 46 abstained.
In turn, the regulation on responding to crises within the pact was endorsed with 322 MEPs voting in favor, 266 against, and 31 abstentions.
The migration pact now awaits approval from the Council of the European Union, representing member states. However, the Polish government has announced its intention to vote against the pact, citing concerns over the timing of its finalization and the adequacy of previous work conducted under the previous administration.
‘This will not apply to Poland’ says Polish PM
“We will see what the final version of this pact will be. I have certain capabilities to build alliances, and certainly the relocation mechanism or paying for not accepting migrants, this mechanism will not apply to Poland,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after the vote on the migration pact
He did not rule out that after the European Parliament elections, “the political structure of the EP will also change a bit” and that the European leaders “will return to this topic anyway.”
“But I want to reassure everyone. We will find(...) ways to protect Poland from the relocation mechanism, even if this pact comes into force in more or less the same shape as it was voted on in parliament today,” said the Prime Minister.
The regulation introducing the mechanism of so-called voluntary solidarity was accepted by the votes of 301 deputies, 272 were against, and 46 abstained.
In turn, the regulation on responding to crises within the pact was endorsed with 322 MEPs voting in favor, 266 against, and 31 abstentions.
The migration pact now awaits approval from the Council of the European Union, representing member states. However, the Polish government has announced its intention to vote against the pact, citing concerns over the timing of its finalization and the adequacy of previous work conducted under the previous administration.
‘This will not apply to Poland’ says Polish PM
“We will see what the final version of this pact will be. I have certain capabilities to build alliances, and certainly the relocation mechanism or paying for not accepting migrants, this mechanism will not apply to Poland,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said after the vote on the migration pact
He did not rule out that after the European Parliament elections, “the political structure of the EP will also change a bit” and that the European leaders “will return to this topic anyway.”
“But I want to reassure everyone. We will find(...) ways to protect Poland from the relocation mechanism, even if this pact comes into force in more or less the same shape as it was voted on in parliament today,” said the Prime Minister.
Source: TVP World, PAP, euronews.com
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