Negotiations on reforming the European Union's (EU) migration policy have been ongoing for several years, with member states struggling to find common ground on a range of issues.

Key Issues in the Negotiations

• Shared Responsibility for Asylum Seekers: Member states have been debating how to fairly share the responsibility for asylum seekers arriving in the EU. Some argue that this should be done on a voluntary basis, while others favor a mandatory quota system.

• External Border Control: Member states are also discussing how to improve external border control, to prevent irregular migration and smuggling. This could involve increasing the number of border guards, investing in new technology, and strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries.

• Return and Reintegration: Member states are also seeking to improve the return and reintegration of migrants who are not granted asylum. This could involve providing assistance to migrants to return to their home countries, or to integrate into EU societies.

Progress in the Negotiations

In December 2023, the European Commission proposed a new migration Pact, which aims to reform the EU's approach to asylum, borders, and integration. The Pact has been met with mixed reactions from member states, but it has provided a starting point for further negotiations.

In January 2024, the European Council agreed on a set of principles for reforming the EU's migration policy. These principles include:

• Combining solidarity and responsibility: Member states should share the responsibility for asylum seekers and other migrants, but this should be done in a way that respects national sovereignty.

• Protecting the EU's borders: The EU needs to improve its external border control to prevent irregular migration.

• Promoting legal pathways to migration: The EU should make it easier for people to migrate legally to the EU, for work, study, or family reunification.

• Promoting integration: The EU should support the integration of migrants living in the EU, to ensure that they can contribute to society.

Challenges to Reform

Despite the progress made, there are still significant challenges to reforming the EU's migration policy. These challenges include:

• Divergence in national interests: Member states have different interests and priorities when it comes to migration, and this makes it difficult to reach consensus on reforms.

• Public opinion: Public opinion in many EU countries is hostile to immigration, which makes it difficult for politicians to push through reforms that could be seen as being too lenient on migrants.

• External factors: The EU's migration policy is also affected by external factors, such as the political situation in countries of origin and transit, and the availability of legal pathways to migration.

The Future of EU Migration Policy

It is unclear when or if the EU will reach agreement on a comprehensive reform of its migration policy. However, the EU has recognized the need for reform, and it is likely that continued negotiations will take place in the coming years. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people across Europe.