During Spain’s six-month presidency, the European Union moved toward finalizing a political accord on crisis regulation within the broader asylum and migration pact. A key sticking point was how to manage mass arrivals during emergencies. At the last moment, doubts from Italy, a pivotal member, prevented a confirmed qualified majority. The Twenty-Seven nevertheless finalized the position on the eve of an informal leaders’ summit in Granada, where immigration was on the agenda for discussion.
“We have taken a significant step forward on a matter crucial to the EU’s future”, stated acting interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. He spoke after Spain submitted its compromise proposal at the end of July. Following Berlin’s acceptance of the package, which had faced initial resistance, an undisputed majority was confirmed. Germany’s approval came after some negotiations, while Italy remained resistant.
“This is an important piece of the puzzle of the Asylum and Migration Pact”, noted Swedish Migration Minister Maria Malmer on the importance of achieving order at the EU’s external borders and reducing irregular flows. European Commissioner Ylva Johansson called the political agreement excellent news, praising pragmatism, commitment, and unity. Hungary and Poland—often critical of the bloc’s immigration policies—voted against the package.
Negotiations with the European Parliament
A qualified majority among the ambassadors, reached on Wednesday, aims to keep Friday’s Granada summit focused on other topics and to initiate a new round of interinstitutional negotiations with the European Parliament toward closing the agreement by year’s end. The Regulation would allow Member States facing crises or force majeure to apply flexible procedures in cases of mass arrivals and to seek solidarity from other States when needed.
As with the July agreement, mandatory relocation quotas will not be imposed on frontline countries. A clear red line remains, though options are available to ease the burden on nations at the entry points. Possible measures include relocating asylum seekers or beneficiaries of international protection to willing member states, offering financial compensation to those choosing relocation over other options, and providing support for return and reintegration of irregular migrants.
Under the pact, these exceptional measures and solidarity support require Council authorization based on necessity and proportionality and with full respect for the fundamental rights of third-country nationals and stateless residents. The European Commission will design and implement support plans and outline possible exceptions should a member state trigger a crisis scenario.