Reforms to Europe’s Asylum System with Migration Being a “Fact of Life”

Obligatory relocation

Von der Leyen said the new strategy would aim to improve migration management on the bloc's external borders, step up the fight against smugglers and reach more deals with third countries to house migrants in return for EU aid.

It would create clear, legal ways to reach Europe, and improve integration programs.

Read also: Greek PM Demands EU Improve Response on Migration into Europe

Sources told Reuters the proposal would still include the most contentious element: obligatory relocation of asylum seekers among all member states at times of immigration spikes.

That means the proposal will face an uphill battle, and months are expected to go by before member states, the Commission, and European Parliament reach a deal.

Germany, which now holds the EU's rotating presidency, hopes to have at least a "political road map" this year for a future agreement on migration.

Read also: EU Relocates Asylum Seekers to Germany and Finland

On Tuesday, Germany said it would take more than 1,500 people stranded on Greek islands after a fire destroyed a migrant camp there last week.

(Writer: Gabriela Baczynska | Editor: Peter Graff)

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