Politics · Other · 8 hrs ago
EU leaders back plan for emergency asylum measures
EU leaders agreed in Brussels to develop emergency asylum rules for serious crises at the bloc’s borders.
The plan could let member states temporarily suspend access to asylum procedures if they believe a situation threatens national security.
The discussion follows events in July, when tens of thousands of people crossed into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, seeking asylum.
The crisis sharpened divisions among EU governments over migration and how to respond to people crossing borders in large numbers.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim is to prepare better for crises at the EU’s external borders.
Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner is expected to present the Commission’s proposal by the end of this year.
EU leaders agreed on Friday to develop an emergency framework for asylum measures.
The framework could allow member states to suspend access to asylum procedures temporarily in crises that threaten national security.
European Commission migration commissioner Magnus Brunner plans to present a proposal this year.
The plan follows events in Ceuta, where tens of thousands of people sought to enter in July.
- Who
- EU leaders agreed to develop the framework. The European Commission is to prepare a proposal.
- What
- The EU will develop emergency asylum measures that could allow temporary suspension of access to asylum procedures.
- When
- Leaders agreed on Friday, 16 October 2026. The Commission plans to present a proposal by the end of the year.
- Where
- Brussels, at the EU summit.
- Why
- Leaders said the EU should be better prepared for crises at its external borders and protect internal security.
Giorgia Meloni
Pedro Sánchez
Emergency asylum measures
Giorgia Meloni
Meloni backed a plan that could allow access to asylum procedures to be suspended in crises.
Pedro Sánchez
Sánchez defended Spain’s migration policy as responsible and consistent with human rights.
Migration policy
Giorgia Meloni
Meloni criticised Sánchez’s plan to grant residence permits to more than one million migrants, saying it could encourage further irregular arrivals.
Pedro Sánchez
Sánchez defended the Spanish policy.
Tens of thousands of people sought to enter Ceuta, according to Handelsblatt.
EU leaders agreed to develop an emergency framework for asylum measures.
The European Commission plans to present its proposal for the crisis framework.
- Location
- Brussels
- Proposed framework
- Emergency measures in the asylum area
- Possible measure
- Temporary suspension of access to asylum procedures
- Planned proposal
- By the end of 2026
- Migration commissioner
- Magnus Brunner
2 sources
What people are saying
better prepared for crises at the EU’s external borders
state and non-state actors
responsible
in line with human rights