Eurotopics.net

From the controversial British Rwanda deal and pushbacks caught on camera to the major new EU deal reached just before Christmas - alongside frequent reports of people drowning in the Mediterranean - migration and migration policy once again made headlines and fuelled debate across Europe in 2023. Commentators take stock.

After a grim 2023, the outlook for 2024 is also rather worrying. Commentators voice concern about the potential results of forthcoming elections and the risk of further wars.

France's National Assembly has passed a law that tightens the country's immigration law. To secure the required majority for the amendments, the government made significant concessions to the demands of conservative MPs. This left the government camp divided, with some refusing to vote in favour and Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau resigning in protest. Europe's press is dismayed.

The Greek Parliament passed a legislative amendment on Tuesday granting migrants who have entered the country illegally a three-year residence and work permit if they have a job and have lived in Greece for three years without committing any crimes. The move comes in response to labour shortages, particularly in the agricultural sector. Approximately 30,000 migrants are eligible.