* by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
In the 2019 European elections, migration was the number one concern raised by citizens across our Union. Yesterday (April 10), the European Parliament ushered in new legislation on how we deal with migration and asylum as a European Union. Legislation that had been more than ten years in the making. We kept our word. We delivered on our promises. And most importantly, this package has all the potential to make a difference.
The package your representatives in the European Parliament voted for provides for a robust legislative framework that is the same in all Member States. That functions and that protects. Laws that secure our borders, that are humane and fair with those in need of protection, that are firm with those who are not eligible, and that are strong with those traffickers who exploit the most vulnerable. This is a package that understands that migration is above all a human issue. That behind every statistic lies a life and dreams for a better future.
With these new laws, the EU Asylum and Migration system will become more efficient for the people involved and more resistant to migratory pressure. We have managed to find a balance between solidarity and responsibility, in full respect of human rights. It has not been easy. Migration is an emotional topic; concerns vary between front line countries, countries of transit and countries of destination, between Member States with sea borders and those with land borders. But that only makes this achievement even more important. We have defied the odds and proven that Europe can deliver on the issues that matter to citizens. It shows that where there is a political will, there is a way.
This pact will strengthen our external borders. The Asylum Procedures Regulation and Screening Regulation will contribute to this. All while preserving the integrity of the Schengen area. Where we have no internal borders, we need the same rules to apply and be applied at all our external borders.
With the agreements on the Eurodac database and the Regulation on Asylum and Migration Management, we will go a long way to resolve the issues of secondary movements and effective solidarity between Member States. The latter also addresses the external dimension and the need to work with key third countries.
The Asylum and Migration pact even goes beyond all these issues. In its holistic form it also accounts for situations of crises, force majeure and other unforeseen circumstances, so that no Member State will feel left alone to cope with the pressure. Crucially, this will address hybrid threats and the ‘instrumentalisation of migrants’ that we have recently seen on our borders with Belarus and Russia.
This package goes a long way. It will not magically solve every issue overnight, but it is ten giant leaps forward when all we have had in a decade are baby steps. It will simplify procedures. It will reduce lengthy application processes. It will increase coordination of all players on the ground. And ultimately, it will ensure that those who are in desperate, urgent and legitimate need for protection, get it – and get it fast. That is what is at the heart of this pact.
There is still more to do. We need to improve on returns. Too many people who should and could be returned safely still are not. In too many cases the process takes too long. It is not good enough. We can ensure our resources are dedicated to those who need them the most. We can stay true to our values of human and fundamental rights and address this issue.
Above all, we must make sure that what has been agreed is fully implemented in all our Member States and that implementation accompanies our respect for our shared humanity. That is the European way.
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