The European Union is closing 2023 with the far-reaching agreement to overhaul migration policy, long one of the most polarizing issues

for the EU. Marguerite Sinas, the Vice President of the European Commission, hailed the deal

that was finalized last week.

With this historic agreement, we are opening a new chapter of a European migration that we want to be proud of.

Under the deal, which has yet to be ratified,

the EU aims to distribute the impact of migration

more evenly across the 27 country block.

For years, Italy, Greece, and other frontline states along the Mediterranean have demanded

more help from their EU neighbors.

Camille de Coelecoes, Associate Director of the Migration Policy Institute explains how the New Deal

would help support those frontline countries. The agreement is really trying to

show countries on the front line that the other member states will show solidarity and that's going to be manifested by what's called relocation,

you know, that member state is taking responsibility for asylum seekers that have arrived at one of these frontline countries or provide

financial contribution or operational support. The Pact also streamlines

assessment of migrants at external EU borders. The goal to speed up decision-making and the

repatriation of those who don't qualify for asylum.

Olva Johanson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Affairs calls the deal a success.

Finally, after so many years, we have managed to agree on a common comprehensive migration

and asylum policy.

It's not only a win for EU and Europe, it's a win for migrants.

Many migrant advocates strongly disagree.

Amnesty International said the pact would set EU asylum law back decades.

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