EU House clears migration system revamp

EUROPEAN LAWMAKERS on Wednesday approved a revamped migration system that the pro-eu political centre promises would reduce irregular arrivals as it seeks to stem gains by the far right ahead of the bloc's parliamentary election in June.

It aims to cut the times for security and asylum procedures at external EU borders, and increase returns to reduce immigration from the Middle East and Africa, a high priority on its agenda.

After eight years of feuds between states, the compromise proposals lay out a delicate balance between the obligations of arrival countries such as Italy and help from rich destinations such as Germany.

But it has been squarely criticised by anti-immigration farright parties for not going far enough to stop migration, while leftists and rights activists lam ba st it as a major blow to human rights.

"We will be able to better protect our external borders, the vulnerable and refugees, swift ly returnthose not eligible to stay, with mandatory solidarity between member states," said top EU migration official, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson. The vote came as the EU feels under pressure from the far right, which is expected to gain seats in the EU Parliament election in two months.

Caritas said it was “concerned about its potential negative impact on thousands of people's lives, as the new rules clearly limit access to protection for those in need”. Activists say the changes allowed for large-scale internment, including of children, and give member states the option to buy themselves out of hosting new arrivals.

AP file Migrants in Mediterranean Sea brought to shore by Libyan coast guard.