After years-long negotiations, the European Parliament and Council are set to adopt the New Pact in time for the EU elections in June 2024. The reforms aim to strike a better balance between solidarity and responsibility, ensuring that the EU asylum system is as effective as it is fair. Despite the inclusion of a mandatory, flexible solidarity mechanism, however, limited changes to responsibility-allocation criteria combined with the expanded and mandatory use of border procedures could lead to disproportionate pressure on some states. Preparation for implementing the reforms is already underway, but questions also remain on whether the necessary resources, and political will, can be secured and maintained to achieve a more balanced system.

Will the European Commission and member states put this objective at the heart of their implementation plans? How can the New Pact manage to ensure compliance with the new rules while also rectifying the existing imbalances? How will the balance between solidarity and responsibility play out in crisis situations? And how can the fundamental rights of people on the move be safeguarded, considering the new obligations of member states? Divided in two panels looking at responsibility and solidarity elements of the reforms respectively, this hybrid Conference will address these and further key questions.

To see the full programme, please  click here. Please contact Helena Hahn if you have any questions.

Venue: European Policy Centre Rue du Trône 14-16 1000 Brussels

Register online here