About 18 European countries will discuss tightening EU migration legislation
Quick Look
About 18 European countries, including EU states and the UK, plan to discuss in Munich the simplification of procedures for revoking protection status and expulsion of migrants who have committed serious crimes, and also propose that the European Commission prepare a new legislative package by mid-2027 to change EU migration rules, including the use of AI for transfers and expanding the Eurodac base.
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Why It Matters
The EU has recently tightened migration rules, and some 18 countries are currently discussing further easing procedures for withdrawal of protection status and removal, especially for those who have committed serious crimes.
About 18 European countries intend to discuss a new tightening of EU migration legislation, including simplification of deprivation of protection status and subsequent expulsion in certain cases, while in the future the changes may also affect Ukrainians in Europe after the end of the special temporary protection regime in force for them, Euractiv reports.
“Countries will consider the possibility of simplifying asylum procedures and facilitating the withdrawal of protection status in certain cases, including in relation to persons who have committed serious crimes, with their subsequent expulsion,” the publication writes, citing a document from the upcoming meeting.
Ministers from around 18 countries, including EU states and non-member Britain, will meet in Munich on Saturday. They intend to propose to the European Commission to prepare by mid-2027 a new legislative package to “simplify” the recently entered into force migration rules. The use of artificial intelligence to translate documents when considering asylum applications and the expansion of the European migrant database Eurodac are also discussed.
The proposals do not directly relate to the procedure for temporary protection of Ukrainians, since a separate EU mechanism is currently in place for them. Currently, about 4.43 million people from Ukraine have this status, and its validity has been extended until March 4, 2028. At the same time, the EU is already preparing for a gradual exit from the special regime: Ukrainians who meet the established requirements are invited to switch to regular grounds of residence, in particular in connection with work, study or family circumstances, while preparations are being made for returning to Ukraine when conditions allow.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The European Commission will prepare a new legislative package on migration by mid-2027
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Which countries out of the 18 are participating in the discussion?
- How will the rights of migrants be ensured when procedures for deprivation of status are simplified?
- When exactly is the new legislative package planned to be adopted in 2027?
