Success of EU migration pact depends on effective implementation, minister says
Pact on Migration and Asylum becomes fully applicable after two-year implementation period
The success of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum will depend on whether it is implemented efficiently, according to Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield.
Bedingfield was attending an informal meeting of EU ministers in Cyprus on Friday, which was held to mark the entry into application of the pact.
The Pact on Migration and Asylum, first adopted in 2024, represents a major overhaul of the EU’s migration and asylum system, with ten legislative acts designed to establish secure external borders and harmonised procedures.
Key measures include mandatory health and security screening for all irregular arrivals and accelerated border procedures for those unlikely to receive protection, alongside guaranteed rights like free legal counseling
The framework also introduces a mandatory but flexible solidarity mechanism where member states can choose between relocations, financial contributions, or operational support.
“Much will depend on the fair share of responsibility among member states and that EU countries on the external borders receive meaningful support,” Bedingfield said.
Noting what he described as an increasingly complex context shaped by geopolitical instability, evolving migratory routes and organised smuggling networks, Bedingfield emphasised that the Pact’s measures must be reinforced by more proactive migration management, stronger EU external action, effective returns and decisive action against smuggling networks.
The minister underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, particularly those linked to socio-economic factors such as poverty, climate change and the lack of economic opportunities.
Bedingfield also emphasised that increased investment in countries of origin, especially in sectors such as education, agriculture, access to clean water and economic development, would help generate opportunities where they are most needed.
He described this approach as a long-term investment in stability, prosperity and shared security.
“Every young person given hope at home is one fewer compelled to undertake a perilous journey abroad,” he said.
Bedingfield said the most effective migration policy is not only about stronger borders, but also about stronger opportunities.
“By addressing the root causes of migration through targeted investment and partnership with countries of origin, Europe can reduce irregular migration in a way that is humane, sustainable and beneficial for all.”
In 2023, Bedingfield’s predecessor as Home Affairs Minister, Byron Camilleri, had warned that the pact was no "magic wand" and those who are painting it as a solution to the migration problem would have to answer to EU citizens "when the reality is different".
The Pact has also been criticised by several human rights groups. In 2024, the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta and NGO aditus Foundation urged Maltese MEPs to reject the Pact, arguing it would increase human suffering, reduce protection for migrants and refugees, and “reinforce barriers instead of embracing solidarity.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch said the package ushers in sweeping changes that undermine the right to asylum. HRW flagged risks around border detention, fast-track procedures, reduced safeguards, returns and the treatment of people from countries with lower recognition rates.