What does the new EU asylum law bring?

The newly passed asylum law of the EU aims to control and limit immigration. But what do the new rules entail, and is the longstanding dispute between the member states finally resolved? Here are answers to important questions.

What changes?
The new legal acts are intended to expedite asylum procedures and facilitate deportations. In the future, arrivals at the EU's external borders will be registered with fingerprints and photos. Individuals from countries with a recognition rate of less than 20 percent, as well as those deemed a danger to public safety, must undergo fast-track procedures. Both groups must wait up to twelve weeks under conditions similar to detention in reception centers until their asylum application is decided. To relieve countries such as Italy and Greece, a solidarity mechanism is introduced, which provides for the distribution of at least 30,000 migrants to other member states annually. Governments that refuse to participate must pay penalties. Rejected asylum seekers should be quickly deported to their countries of origin or to third countries classified as safe by the EU.

What do critics say?
Activists demonstrated in Brussels against the law, particularly against the fact that families with small children are not exempt from fast-track procedures, while unaccompanied minors are. Human rights organizations also criticize the planned crisis mechanism, which allows governments to expand the circle of those subject to fast-track procedures and detain them longer when there is a particularly high influx of people. In contrast, right-wing populist parties claim that the reform is intended to bring more and more migrants to Europe.

Will migration to Germany decrease?
Not initially, as practical details are still unclear and the regulations have not yet been implemented. In the long term, however, the number of refugees in Germany could decrease, as individuals with low recognition chances are already rejected at the external borders and others may not even start their journey due to the tightened rules. Supporters of the asylum reform rely on its deterrent effect.

When will the law be implemented?
It is expected to take up to two years for the EU countries to fully implement the reform. During this time, they must clarify many practical questions, such as the establishment of asylum centers at the external borders and the designation of safe third countries. The EU Commission can impose financial sanctions on states that refuse to implement the reform.

Is the internal EU dispute settled?
Despite the parliamentary decision, there is still criticism from some member states. Hungary and Poland have already declared that they will not participate in the solidarity mechanism, which could lead to tensions within the EU. The EU Commission reserves the right to impose financial sanctions on these states if they do not implement the reform.