The European Union is moving ahead with toughening its policies on migration, making it easier for member countries to deport migrants to certain countries of origin or deny asylum if a safe third country outside of Europe is available to provide it. The European Council also agreed to create a $489 million fund to help alleviate the burden on countries facing the highest rates of immigration, including those in Southern Europe. The council will now negotiate with the European Parliament on the package’s final passage.
The new set of policies, officially known as the Pact on Migration and Asylum, has been hotly debated since it was first presented by the European Commission more than five years ago. In a WPR briefing on the pact last year, Sofia Maria Russo noted that it represents a European effort to externalize the burden of migration management. “By deepening partnerships with countries outside the EU, such as Albania, Libya, Tunisia, and Turkey, the EU is extending its reliance on external actors to manage migration flows,” Russo wrote. “While cooperation with third countries is essential for addressing the root causes of migration and enhancing border security, there’s a risk of prioritizing short-term border control measures over long-term, sustainable solutions.”
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