European Union Faces Crucial Vote on Migration and Asylum Reform
BRUSSELS — The European Union is gearing up for a pivotal vote in the Parliament that could make or break its attempt to reform its migration and asylum policy. As party divisions deepen, MEPs are set to tackle a complex array of legislation in a plenary session scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
The spotlight will be on the five laws comprising the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, a comprehensive overhaul aimed at establishing common and predictable rules to manage the reception and relocation of asylum seekers. Despite facing numerous obstacles since its introduction in September 2020, the New Pact reached a provisional agreement between the Parliament and the Council in December last year.
However, the final green light is still pending from each institution before the legislation can become law. With time running out due to the upcoming elections, April represents the last opportunity for MEPs to endorse the New Pact.
Anticipated to be a smooth vote, Wednesday’s session is now clouded with uncertainty as party members express differing opinions and concerns. The rapporteurs leading the charge on the legislation have acknowledged the division within parties and the challenges ahead.
“No one can predict the outcome of the vote,” said Tomas Tobé of the European People’s Party (EPP). “My focus now is on persuading colleagues to support the European migration policy by backing the entire migration pact.”
Meanwhile, Birgit Sippel of the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) highlighted the varying arguments for and against the reform, noting that some may be influenced by election considerations rather than policy issues.
Resistance to the New Pact is not only coming from predictable sources like Hungary’s Fidesz and the Identity and Democracy group but also from within mainstream parties. Italian members of the S&D, including the populist Five Star Movement, are voicing strong opposition to the legislation.
As the clock ticks down to the crucial vote, MEPs are under pressure to come to a unified decision on the New Pact, which requires a simple majority to pass. The outcome of the vote will not only impact the EU’s migration policy but also shape the future of asylum seekers across the continent.
