What is the EU Doing About Migration?

Migration is undeniably one of the most pressing challenges facing the European Union over the past decade. From the refugee crisis in 2015, during Angela Merkel's administration, to new waves of conflict, European countries have been trying to balance humanitarian aid alongside their own concerns for social stability and security. The Union is working to create and implement policies that protect those in need while maintaining order in its member states. However, how effective are these measures and attempts, and what is the EU doing to address the ongoing challenge of migration?

EU Policy and Strategy

The European Union has developed a comprehensive migration strategy that brings together asylum procedures, border management and cooperation with countries outside the Union. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum is a new set of EU rules for managing migration and establishing a common asylum system, aiming to ensure a fair and effective approach. It was adopted by the European Parliament in April 2024 and by the Council in May 2024, and the rules will enter into force in two years. Its main objectives are to strengthen external borders, ensure fair responsibility-sharing between Member States, protect fundamental rights and respond more quickly to crisis situations. The pact aims to ensure solidarity between member states, especially those on the front line, and to share the burden of managing migration. It also introduces new, more efficient and uniform procedures for processing migration and asylum applications. In this way, the Pact will help to better manage and protect the EU's external borders.

Solidarity

One of the EU's main approaches to dealing with migration is solidarity between member states. There are mechanisms in place to allow the redirection of asylum seekers from a severely affected country to other countries in the union. Unfortunately, these measures are met with resistance from some governments, leading to uneven participation and political tension within countries. Despite the challenges, there are initiatives such as the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) that coordinate efforts and ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed. Solidarity remains the main goal, but its practical implementation continues to be a complex task.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the EU's many and varied efforts, challenges remain significant. Not all policies are effectively implemented in practice, and differences and bureaucracy in national laws slow down the process. More and more European citizens, the media and others are criticizing the union and its insufficiently fast and adequate reactions when it comes to migration. There is often a gap in communication between ordinary people and decision-makers. In addition, the integration of refugees into society remains a difficult task, requiring long-term investments in education, housing and employment. And let us add that this process, in order to be successful, must be bilateral, something that does not happen often.

The Good Example

Despite the problems and challenges, there are also successful examples of cooperation and integration. Education and employment programs have helped newcomers adapt, and cooperation with various international organizations strengthens the EU's efforts to address the problem. In conclusion, the European Union strives to achieve a balance between its humanitarian obligations and maintaining the security of its member states, but the future requires further reforms and closer coordination in order to achieve a more sustainable and lasting solution to the migration issue.