The new Migration Pact falsely promises an historic change in EU migration policies. In reality, the Pact reinforces current failed policies and practices by focusing on deterrence, containment of people fleeing third countries, strengthening external borders, detention, and acceleration of procedures at the expense of the individual right to asylum.

This explainer cuts through the bluster surrounding the new Migration Pact, debunking some of the myths spun by the European Commission and political forces across Europe while putting forward six points for a solidarity-based and humane European asylum and migration policy.