Migration and refugee crisis: MEPs react to Commission proposals

New migration management proposals, including relocating 120,000 asylum seekers within the EU - on top of the May proposal to relocate 40,000 - a permanent distribution mechanism for the future, a list of safe countries of origin to ensure faster returns of those whose asylum request is rejected, and legal migration channels to the EU, were outlined by the Commission and debated in Parliament. MEPs urged member states to act and praised EU citizens for warmly welcoming refugees.

The debate was initiated by Luxembourg's Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy Minister Nicolas Schmit, Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans, EU foreign chief Federica Mogherini and Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos before MEPs took the floor and voiced the views of the political groups.

After the debate, most MEPs gave a favourable opinion on the May proposal to relocate the 40,000 asylum seekers, since Parliament needs to be consulted before the measure can enter into force. The same procedure will apply for relocating the additional 120,000 asylum seekers. On the permanent mechanism, Parliament and Council will decide on an equal footing.

The debate was wrapped up by a non-binding resolution approved on Thursday by 432 votes to 142, with 57 abstentions.