EU’s new pact on migration seems unlikely to be enough

Outlet: Arab News

Language: English

Abstract: The EU's proposed Pact on Migration and Asylum, aiming to address the persistent issue of migration, arrives at a crucial moment in the bloc’s history. This comprehensive framework seeks to balance border control with "mandatory solidarity" among member states. The pact introduces rapid processing mechanisms for asylum seekers at EU borders, but this raises concerns about potential rights violations and practical challenges in swift asylum determinations. The reliance on voluntary contributions for refugee resettlement or financial support questions the effectiveness of shared responsibilities among member states. Additionally, the pact’s focus on cooperation with non-EU countries for migration management complicates the issue, with past efforts yielding limited success. Historical reluctance by certain member states to participate in quota schemes hints at potential friction. The pact’s success hinges on political will, member state cooperation, and effective engagement with external partners. However, there are significant doubts about its ability to prevent future migrant crises, as faulty assumptions and implementation challenges could exacerbate existing issues, leading to potential chaos and human rights violations.

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