European Parliament Approves New Migration and Asylum Agreement: A Process Full of Controversy and Protests
After a long debate, the European Parliament in Brussels has approved the EU's Migration and Asylum Treaty. The contentious process between Home Affairs Member Ylva Johansson and activist groups signals a new era for migrants' rights and border controls.
Brussels, European Parliament – The European Union’s (EU) newly adopted Agreement on Migration and Asylum to tackle irregular migration has been officially ratified by a vote in the European Parliament in Brussels. After years of debate and wrangling, MEPs adopted this historic agreement, drawing intense reactions from both inside and outside the EU.
Tensions High Before the Vote
Speaking before the vote in the General Assembly, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson emphasized the inevitability of reforming migration policies. “Our citizens expect us to protect people fleeing war and persecution. They also want us to prevent irregular arrivals and deadly journeys, and to send back quickly those who have no right to stay,” Johansson said.
The new agreement will strengthen the principle of “mandatory solidarity” between EU member states, so that external borders can be more effectively protected and refugee processing expedited. “With mandatory solidarity between member states, we will be able to better protect our external borders, vulnerable people and refugees, and quickly send back those who are not fit to stay,” Johansson said.
Protests and Activist Reactions
Hours before the agreement was to be ratified, a group of activists disrupted the vote, chanting “This deal kills. Vote no” and organized a protest. The vote was suspended for a while and some left-wing MEPs applauded and supported the protesters.
The crowd gathered in front of the European Parliament with banners reading “Stop deportations”, “Say no to the deal”, “Freedom of movement is a right”. The protesters kept chanting until the end of the vote on the new Migration and Asylum Agreement.
International Concerns and Criticisms
International human rights organizations have criticized the EU’s new migration and asylum rules. They are concerned that expanded border controls and the detention of migrants for months in detention centers could lead to human rights abuses. Moreover, the exemptions granted to member states in cases of “force majeure” could weaken refugee law and international human rights norms.
Enforcement and Implementation
The agreement will enter into force upon its approval by the Council of the EU and publication in the Official Journal. Member states will have two years to adapt the agreement to their national laws, during which time many technical and administrative details will need to be resolved.
The new Agreement on Migration and Asylum is seen as an important milestone that will shape the EU’s migration management. However, the legal and humanitarian dimensions of this process will become clearer as developments inside and outside the EU unfold. The agreement promises to provide a safer and more orderly route for migrants, but whether this goal is achieved or not remains to be seen in the details of implementation.
