Previously, the Dublin Regulation placed responsibility for processing asylum seekers on the member state where they first entered the EU. This reform intends to distribute this burden more fairly. Relocation of asylum seekers and financial aid to overwhelmed countries are among the proposed solutions.

The reforms come amid rising anti-immigration sentiment across Europe. National elections scheduled for June are a key driver, with mainstream parties hoping to demonstrate their commitment to tackling the issue.

The new system is not without limitations. While the Dublin Regulation is scrapped, the processing burden will still primarily fall on frontline countries. Additionally, the “solidarity mechanism” allowing other member states to contribute financially instead of taking in refugees might lead to disagreements.

Despite these limitations, the reforms represent a significant shift for the EU. They aim to foster trust between member states and create a perception of control over migration. The success of these reforms will depend on effective implementation and navigating potential political disputes between member states.