New European rules on asylum and migration are coming
European Union (EU) countries agreed on new rules for asylum and migration in December 2023. This article explains what rules are involved. And what the implications are for you.
EU countries are working together to receive refugees from around the world. But EU European countries are not satisfied with how this cooperation is going now.
For example, the countries want stricter rules on which refugees can enter Europe through the external borders, such as through Greece or Italy.
The new European rules will not apply until 2026 at the earliest
The EU agreed on 23 December 2023 on how to improve cooperation. There are no actual new rules yet.
European countries are now going to consult with each other on exactly what rules are needed. If these consultations go well, the new rules will not be implemented until 2026. EU rules will not change until then.
These are the EU's plans
Read below what the EU's main plans are for asylum and migration:
Faster assessment of people fleeing to Europe
Another procedure for people from safe countries
EU countries can choose whether to receive asylum seekers
The EU wants a new Dublin system
These plans have yet to be approved by the European legal system
Before these plans become rules, the European Parliament and EU member states must approve the plans. European elections will take place on 6 June 2024. The EU says these new rules on migration and asylum will be looked at before the elections.
So before the European elections, it will be known what plans will be put into European law.
Here are the possible consequences if the new rules are implemented
The new rules may make it harder to seek asylum in Europe starting in 2026. It also increases the likelihood that refugees from a safe country will be detained at the borders. And that asylum procedures in Europe will take even longer.
However, these consequences depend on how and when the new plans are implemented. And whether these plans are allowed to be implemented within the EU legal system.