EU migration and asylum pact reforms impact Lithuania and other member states, detailing new procedures and responsibilities.
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The European Union’s new Migration and Asylum Pact, adopted by the Council in May 2024 and set to operate from June 2026, aims to strengthen the EU’s migration and asylum system while providing member states with more flexibility. The pact includes regulations on asylum and migration management, border checks, Eurodac, and asylum procedures. For frontline states facing large migrant flows, a solidarity mechanism requires contributions through relocation or financial aid; for instance, Lithuania can choose to accept 158 migrants or pay €3.16 million annually. Border checks will occur within seven days at external borders and three days for those detained domestically. Eurodac will store biometric data of asylum seekers and irregular migrants, including information regarding security threats. The Asylum Procedures Regulation establishes a 12-week border procedure for cases where applicants intentionally mislead authorities or pose risks to national security. Lithuania has committed to accepting 58 asylum seekers from June 12th while paying a financial contribution of €1.14 million the following year, based on its 50/50 formula. The EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund will finance relocations, with member states that refuse to accept applicants having to pay into the fund. Austria’s reform is described as a major review of immigration law, allowing for immediate detention of asylum seekers up to seven days while checks are conducted, aiming to identify vulnerable persons or those unlikely to receive protection. The system relies on the “fiction of non-arrival,” where individuals physically in EU territory are legally considered not having entered. Human rights protections are emphasized, including access to free legal consultations and representation for minors. Member states must establish independent fundamental rights monitoring mechanisms during initial screening and border procedures.
