BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is set to implement a new set of rules Friday governing how each of its 27 member states will deal with irregular migration and asylum seekers.
The European Migration and Asylum Pact is the culmination of years of grueling negotiations that overhauled the previous system, which was widely considered a failure and gave far-right parties a potent issue to win votes.
All EU members were meant to be prepared for Friday’s implementation by adapting laws, training staff and beefing up border infrastructure. But even the European Commission admits no member is completely ready.
European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner hailed the pact as a milestone but noted “it is only the beginning and not the end.”
Human rights advocates warn the pact could add to the difficulties asylum seekers face while trying to find safe haven in the EU.