At the heart of discussions was a comprehensive overhaul of EU migration rules aimed at more equitably distributing asylum seekers across member states and accelerating deportations of those denied entry. The reforms, known as the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, represent the most significant changes to EU migration policy in years.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgent need for action, calling for a “stricter” approach to returning migrants ineligible for asylum. She outlined plans for “comprehensive partnerships” with countries of origin and transit, increased investments, and the establishment of legal pathways for migration.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban flatly rejected the proposed deal, arguing Budapest had been “legally raped” into accepting it. The controversial reforms were pushed through by a qualified majority vote despite opposition from Hungary and Poland.
The summit comes as the EU faces mounting pressure over migration, with nearly 1.14 million asylum applications filed in 2021 and some 380,000 irregular border crossings detected last year. Front-line states like Italy and Greece have long complained of bearing a disproportionate burden in processing arrivals.
A key pillar of the proposed reforms is a “mandatory solidarity mechanism” that would require EU countries to either accept relocated asylum seekers or provide financial support for deportations when a member state faces overwhelming migrant flows. The plan sets a target of relocating at least 30,000 people annually across the bloc.
Critics argue this system effectively puts a price tag on human lives, with states able to pay €20,000 per person to avoid taking in asylum seekers. Human rights groups warn the reforms prioritize deterrence and deportation over protecting vulnerable migrants.
Another contentious element is the introduction of a fast-tracked border procedure for migrants deemed to pose security risks or originating from countries with low asylum recognition rates. Opponents fear this could lead to cursory reviews and increased deportations without due process.
The summit also grappled with proposals to expand the EU’s biometric database for asylum seekers and enhance cooperation with non-EU countries on migration control. Some leaders pushed for deploying “advisory border controls” in North Africa and the Sahel region to stem migrant flows at their source.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the need to “attack the root causes of migration” through a multi-dimensional approach. However, critics argue the reforms fail to address underlying issues like low state capacity in receiving countries, lengthy processing times, and poor conditions in detention centers.
The debate over migration has taken on new urgency ahead of European Parliament elections in June 2024. Mainstream parties are eager to showcase concrete action on the divisive issue to counter the rise of far-right, anti-immigration forces across the continent.
Yet the path forward remains unclear. While the European Parliament narrowly endorsed the migration pact in April, final approval from member states is still pending. Deep disagreements persist, particularly between front-line Mediterranean countries and wealthier northern states reluctant to accept more migrants.
Some leaders, including Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, framed EU enlargement as a potential long-term solution to migration pressures. Expanding the bloc to include more Balkan and Eastern European states could theoretically create a larger zone of stability and prosperity, reducing push factors for migration.
However, enlargement brings its own set of challenges. The potential accession of Ukraine has sparked particular debate, with Orban noting there are “many doubts” given the country’s ongoing war.
As negotiations stretched into the night, it became clear that bridging the divide between member states would be no easy task. The migration crisis has exposed fundamental tensions within the EU, pitting national sovereignty against collective responsibility and humanitarian obligations against security concerns.
With thousands of lives hanging in the balance and the future direction of European integration at stake, the outcome of these debates will have far-reaching consequences. As one diplomat put it, “This isn’t just about migration policy – it’s about what kind of Union we want to be.”
As dawn broke over Granada, EU leaders prepared for another grueling day of talks. Whether they can forge a workable compromise remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the migration challenge is not going away anytime soon, and Europe’s response will shape the continent for generations to come.
