EU to Relocate Asylum Seekers from Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy

The European Commission will relocate asylum seekers from Cyprus, Greece, Spain, and Italy to other EU member states. These countries are considered to be under "migratory pressure," according to the first annual report on asylum and migration.

Solidarity from other member states will be expressed either by relocating asylum seekers or through financial contributions. The Commission has proposed the Annual Solidarity Pool, a mechanism for determining the number of asylum seekers to be relocated and the amount each country should allocate.

Each member state (except those under migratory pressure) will contribute according to its population and GDP. Options include relocating asylum seekers, paying €20,000 per person not relocated, or funding operational support. The final decision will be taken by a qualified majority vote.

The report also identifies 12 states "at risk of migratory pressure." Some EU countries, such as Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, oppose the implementation of the rules of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

According to the report, the overall migration situation in the EU has improved, with a 35% reduction in illegal border crossings.

Source: Euronews