EU asylum and migration reform: EU ambassadors endorse deal with the European Parliament

The Belgian presidency has taken a significant step forward in the process of reforming the EU’s asylum and migration rules. In a key moment in a journey that began in 2016, the representatives of the EU member states (Coreper) have approved ten legislative files of the Asylum and Migration Pact.

“The Belgian presidency has worked hard in recent weeks to clarify the remaining technical details. We are happy to have succeeded in that assignment and to have gotten the support of the fellow States. European citizens deserve this as well as people seeking protection in Europe.”

Nicole de Moor
State Secretary for Asylum and Migration

This agreement represents a crucial juncture in the EU’s approach to migration and asylum, signalling a collective effort to address longstanding challenges and to ensure a more cohesive and effective system for all member states.

Nicole de Moor, State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, commented: “This agreement will fundamentally change the way in which we deal with migration and asylum on the ground, at the borders and within our territories. The agreement will not change the situation on the ground from day one after its adoption, but now we have to be fully committed to implement what we have decided.”

Since 2016, the Commission has been striving to enhance the Common European Asylum System, initially introducing seven legislative proposals. In September 2020, the Commission expanded on the existing proposals with three new ones under the Pact on Migration and Asylum, alongside amendments to two 2016 legislative proposals.

The next step in the process will be the formal adoption by the European Parliament and the Council. As soon as it is adopted, a new phase of work will begin, focusing on the operationalisation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration. In this context, a ministerial conference on the operationalisation of the Pact will be held on 28-30 April. The Belgian presidency will make it a priority to make as much progress as possible on the operational side of the Pact by the end of June.