In 2024, the Union approved a comprehensive reform of migration policies, set to take effect in the coming months. Under the new mechanism, member states are annually obliged to either accept a specified number of migrants or pay financial compensation of 20,000 euros per person to countries facing greater pressures. It is expected that at least 30,000 asylum seekers will be redistributed each year. Negotiations are soon to begin to determine how these refugees will be distributed among countries, as the issue is considered highly politically sensitive. Another official confirmed that this is one of the most challenging files, amidst escalating international pressures, especially after the criticisms by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding European policy at the United Nations. This classification has sparked significant debate among members due to the sensitivity of its calculation method. Based on this list, each country’s contribution will be determined, either by accepting migrants or providing financial support. European MP Fabienne Keller, who played a significant role in passing the reform in the European Parliament, affirmed that “this new system reflects a realistic approach based on numbers, away from populist rhetoric.” Three proposals are being discussed to tighten deportation procedures, including the establishment of return centers outside the European Union for those whose applications were rejected. Brussels hopes to reach a final agreement on these sensitive files by the end of the year, with Christmas as the target date for announcing a comprehensive consensus.
