New migration policy delivers first results

The EPP Group welcomes the first Annual Migration Management Cycle, which offers an overview of the EU’s asylum and migration situation, identifies challenges across the EU, and proposes a Solidarity Pool. 

The EPP Group emphasises that positive migration figures - illegal border crossings decreased by 35% - confirm that our actions are delivering. However, important challenges remain. 

“The positive numbers show that we are moving in the right direction. It is serious, consistent work, not empty phrases, that truly makes a difference and delivers tangible results for our citizens,” says Tomas Tobé MEP, EPP Group Vice-Chair in charge of Legal and Home Affairs.

The EPP Group also welcomes the definition of Member States under various degrees of migration pressure and the proposal for a Solidarity Pool, which will be further discussed in the Council.

The EPP Group also stresses that there is still more work to be done, and these results must serve as a strong motivation to continue our efforts. 

“The implementation of the new EURODAC, the EU’s centralised biometric database, is still ongoing. Many Member states face insufficient capacity in infrastructure and personnel to fully implement border procedures for asylum and return, and to establish the necessary facilities for screening,” says Lena Düpont MEP, the EPP Group Spokeswoman on Home Affairs.

The EPP Group also calls on other Groups in the European Parliament to continue working on frontloading elements of the Migration Pact and establishing an effective return system.