The European Parliament has given its narrow approval to a wide-ranging reform of the European Union's migration and asylum policy. Despite facing opposition from both the right and left, the reform, known as the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, received the necessary votes to move one step closer to adoption.

The New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to establish common and predictable rules for managing irregular migration within the EU. The reform package consists of five separate pieces of legislation that address various aspects of migration management, including the reception and relocation of asylum seekers.

Following its endorsement by the European Parliament, the New Pact now requires the final green light from member states. This decision is expected to be reached at the end of the month. Once adopted, the New Pact will come into full force within two years.

A significant aspect of the reform is the introduction of a system of "mandatory solidarity." This mechanism ensures that all member states, regardless of their size or location, contribute to mitigating the pressures faced by Southern European countries concerning asylum seeker reception and relocation.

The process leading to the approval of the New Pact was complex and lengthy. The Parliament and member states engaged in extensive debates and amendments, reflecting the intricate nature of the legislation. These negotiations were particularly challenging in the Council, where differing opinions based on geography, economy, and ideology led to prolonged discussions.

Despite dissenting voices, MEPs unified their position and endorsed the compromise. However, the margin of approval was smaller than initially expected, and the vote faced some disruptions when protesters threw paper planes at sitting MEPs, chanting against the reform.

The New Pact is seen as a significant achievement for mainstream parties, who believe it could bolster their campaigns for the upcoming EU parliament elections in June. The reform is seen as a demonstration that the EU is capable of delivering on pressing issues.

It is worth noting that the New Pact does not modify the long-standing "Dublin principle," which places the responsibility for asylum applications on the first EU country of arrival. Instead, the reform focuses on internal aspects of migration management within the territory.

The New Pact includes several specific laws: the Screening Regulation, which establishes a pre-entry procedure for asylum seekers; the amended Eurodac Regulation, updating the biometric database used for applications; the amended Asylum Procedures Regulation, which sets out two possible steps for claimants; the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, which establishes a system of "mandatory solidarity" among member states; and the Crisis Regulation, which outlines exceptional rules for times of crisis.

Critics, including NGOs, human rights advocates, and legal experts, have raised concerns about the New Pact, warning that a strong push for common and predictable rules could potentially compromise fundamental rights. Amnesty International, for example, argued that the reforms could result in less protection for individuals and an increased risk of human rights violations.

Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, stressed that the New Pact aims to strike a balance by being fair with those entitled to international protection, firm with those who do not qualify, and strong against smugglers. However, she acknowledged that the implementation of the agreed-upon policies across all member states and respect for shared humanity is crucial.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, hailed the reform as a significant step towards improving border security, expediting asylum procedures, and clamping down on abusive practices. She emphasized that the work is not yet done, and urged determination and unity to ensure the success of the New Pact across Europe.

The approval of the European Parliament signifies a milestone in the journey towards a comprehensive EU migration and asylum policy. With the final adoption by member states on the horizon, the New Pact holds the potential to create a more streamlined and fair system for managing migration within the European Union.