EU Ministers Discuss Asylum and Migration Management Regulations and Solidarity Mechanisms

For this new approach to take effect, it still needs to be agreed with the European Parliament.

During the meeting, EU ministers discussed current challenges in the operation of the Schengen area, strengthening the resilience of the entire society in the context of civil protection, as well as combating violent extremism and terrorism.

The discussions focused on the proposals for the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation and the Asylum Procedures Regulation. Both proposals incorporate the EU-level solidarity mechanism proposed in the 2020 Pact on Migration and Asylum.

This mechanism envisages that Member States facing a high pressure of asylum seekers will have the right to request the assistance of other Member States in receiving these persons, as an alternative option, providing for financial contributions.

During the discussion, Kučinskis pointed out that the proposal that a unified and coordinated system is needed in this area is conceptually supportable, at the same time stating that the borders, challenges and the current situation differ, and therefore it is important that the unified system is flexible enough to be able to adapt to current challenges.

“It is important for us that the system as a whole focuses on the responsibility of strengthening border management, the possibility of quickly and efficiently returning persons and prevention of flows in general; it should not create new flows or incentives for illegal migration,” Kučinskis said.