The EU Parliament has approved a significant overhaul of the bloc’s migration laws, aiming to resolve longstanding divisions and disagreements among EU member states over how best to manage the influx of unauthorized migrants and refugees, Associated Press reports.
The reforms, known as the Pact on Migration and Asylum, address key issues such as the allocation of responsibility for migrants upon their arrival and the obligation of EU countries to provide assistance. The reforms include several controversial measures, such as the collection of facial images and fingerprints from children as young as six and the detention of individuals during screening processes. Countries may be obligated to assist their EU partners by providing accommodation for asylum-seekers or covering the costs of accommodation elsewhere.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser both hailed the parliamentary approval as a historic achievement, describing the result as a major success after years of difficult negotiations, noting that it addresses deep divisions within Europe.
However, the reforms still require approval from all 27 EU member states before they can take effect, with a vote expected to occur in late April. The effectiveness of the reforms will depend on whether member states fully implement them and whether the European Commission effectively enforces the rules.
