After years of complex negotiations, the EU finally has an agreement. With the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, Europe is taking responsibility with concrete answers to one of the most complex issues that the EU has faced.
The Pact – presented by PES European Commissioner Ylva Johansson in 2020 – means Europe will have a better system for the common management of asylum and migration in the EU. It highlights common efforts and represents a strong answer against the politics of fear propagated by right-wing populists.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“The Pact is a necessary, constructive, step forward. The current system on asylum and migration has become unsustainable.
“I commend PES European Commissioner Ylva Johansson for spearheading this file and thank those who have worked hard to achieve this. The agreement represents tough negotiations and compromise with concessions, at the same time it establishes more solidarity, more reliable rules and addresses the lack of consistency, coordination and shared responsibility that has existed up until now.”
With the Pact, Europe has a common, comprehensive approach, with – for the first time – a permanent and binding solidarity mechanism, faster protection for those in need, new safeguards for the most vulnerable, clear rules for overcrowded reception centres, fundamental rights at the borders and mandatory solidarity. Complementary legal avenues must enhance safe and regular migration.
The PES will work hard to ensure that the implementation of the Pact results in a fair, safe and predictable approach grounded in the respect of human rights and people’s dignity, following the EU’s long history of protecting people in need. We will reject any deals that externalise our responsibilities by giving up our sovereignty and subsidising dictatorships that do not safeguard human rights.
