Iratxe García on the Migration and Asylum Pact - “For the first time, we will have real solidarity at the centre of the EU policy on migration and asylum.”

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The European Parliament has today adopted the Migration and Asylum Pact. This legislation puts in place clear, reliable rules with more solidarity and shared responsibility among EU member states.   

The new Pact on Migration and Asylum was first presented by S&D Commissioner Johansson in 2020. The Pact includes a new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, a new Screening Regulation, a new Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation, revised rules under the Asylum Procedures Regulation, and a revised Eurodac Regulation. 

After the vote, Iratxe García, S&D Group President, said:

"Today is a historic day. Finally, after more than a decade of tough negotiations, and thanks to the unity of the S&D Group, we finally put a real European solution in place. This moves us away from ad-hoc crises responses to a permanent and sustainable procedure that governments can rely on. Populist emergency decrees are no way to deal with migration in an orderly way. Nationalist solutions are not the answer to pan-European challenges.” 

“Thanks to S&Ds, for the first time, we introduce real solidarity at the centre of the European policy on migration and asylum. We pave the way to a new era. 

“The S&Ds have worked responsibly and led by example in reaching a consensus on a package that builds on solidarity. Solidarity among member states as they will share responsibility for people coming to the EU seeking protection. But also solidarity for those in need of international protection to respect their rights. 

“The nature of compromise means that this agreement is not perfect, but it is an important first step. Without it, we are left with status quo, which is not acceptable for anyone. 

“We now need to make sure that the new Pact is fully implemented on the ground, in particular with respect to fundamental rights and the agreed solidarity mechanism. This is crucial for the Pact’s success.”

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