By Antonis Anzoletou

European elections 2024. Or the immigration referendum.

The tentative political agreement announced on December 20 paves the way for many changes to the existing immigration and asylum system.

Essentially, it comes to answer the states that traditionally appear unwilling to help.

What is the key element?

The solidarity that must be shown for the relocation of refugees from first host countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain to other countries in central and northern Europe. And in case they refuse, the financial contribution will be mandatory. A joint account will be created in the E.U. on immigration.

The ultra-conservative currents in Europe are not going to stand idly by. The changes are expected to be enacted before the polls in June.

Far-right forces in many cases on the old continent have developed by promoting immigration.

A typical example is the Hungarian Viktor Orbán who has made it clear how nor will he pay any “fine”, but neither will he accept refugees.

There were many conflicts in 2023 over this specific issue. It is recalled that France and Italy had exchanged heavy accusations on the occasion of the arrival of migrants at the south-eastern border of France with Italy. For many, the fact that in Greece recently the legislation on the employment of third-country nationals was passed with a broad consensus of 262 votes gave a message to Europe about the path to follow.

There have always been different European perspectives on what the most effective immigration policy is. Strong skeptics – and there are many – have always suggested better border controls. The rest of the countries prioritized better integration and a fairer distribution of immigrants. The goal of the promoted regulation is to significantly hurt Euroscepticism and to start making the necessary concessions so as to restore a balance in the EU. Not an easy task. At least the absolute agreement of all “27” is not required.

Gerd Wilders prevailed in the Netherlands, while the AfD in Germany is constantly increasing its popularity. Forecasts say that in the 720 seats of the European Parliament, far-right forces will have more seats after June. Le Pen in France, Salvini’s League, as well as Austria’s FPO seem to have significant momentum.

Against this far-right turn, the new pact is expected to enable the first host countries to tighten the criteria for granting asylum.

There will be a rapid reaction mechanism to increased migration flows, while also the file of those who do not meet the legal conditions for relocation to the EU. will not proceed and will be summarily dismissed.