In the spring of 2024, the European Union institutions approved a new Migration and Asylum Pact which provides Member States with a strong legal basis for comprehensive and integrated migration management. The reform promotes a coherent EU asylum and migration management system, enabling Member States to move together towards long-term and sustainable solutions. Negotiations on the draft texts of the package have been ongoing since 2016, and the period for Member States to prepare for the implementation of the legislation in 2026 has now started.

In this context, EMN Estonia - in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior - is organising an event on 1 October to present the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. 

The event will provide an overview of the most important points of the pact and the changes that are being implemented in Estonian and EU practice. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion on the topic "Achieving balance in eight years". At the end of the event, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and take part in the discussion.

Agenda

10.00-10.30 Morning coffee break

10.30-10.35 Opening remarks by the moderator

10.35-10.50 Opening remarks by the European Commission - Esther Pozo Vera (video)

10.50-11.10 Presentation by Ave Schank-Lukas, European Commission Representation in Estonia.

11.10-11.30 "The New Migration and Asylum Pact" - Joosep Kaasik (Ministry of the Interior)

11.30-12.30 Panel discussion "Eight years of balance", including video presentation by Marina Kaljurand (Estonian delegation to the European Parliament). Panelists will include Egert Belichev (Police and Border Guard Board), Birgit Lüüs-Jakobs (State Chancellery), Maarjo Mändmaa (Ministry of Social Affairs) and Olga Sõtnik (UNHCR).

12.30-13.30 Lunch

13.30-14.30 Discussion (topics will be specified according to the preferences of registrants)

Registration is open until 26 September. The in-person event will also be streamed online.