Deal Reached On Migration & Asylum

Reports stating that according to the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union, the member states have reached a deal on migration and asylum, one of the most politically difficult and divisive areas of EU policy. Italy had previously derailed efforts at consensus, arguing that NGO-funded search-and-rescue vessels in the Mediterranean acted as a 'pull factor' for migrants. Germany defended its support for the vessels, citing humanitarian values. Divisions between the two risked stalemate, but it appears a deal has been reached that will act as the joint position for the Council in discussions with the European Parliament.

• Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the agreement was a"gamechanger." Adding "United we can deliver on the Pact before the end of this mandate." Member state leaders meet in Granada, Spain on 6 October, with migration set to feature heavily in talks.
• Migration remains a major political issue in many member states, with populist parties rising in support and polls across the continent in response to mass migration. As such, EU decisions will have significant impacts on domestic politics and policies in member states in the years ahead.