The European Migration Pact aims to accelerate the registration of arrivals at the external border, enhance security screenings, and speed up decisions on asylum applications as well as the return of those who do not qualify for protection. At the same time, it introduces a permanent solidarity mechanism with the member states facing the greatest migratory pressure.

It is precisely this solidarity that is sparking the biggest political debate in the Czech Republic. Does the new system mean the mandatory acceptance of migrants, or can member states choose alternative forms of assistance? How large might the Czech financial and organizational commitments be? And can Europe truly speed up returns, which currently remain one of the weakest parts of the system?

What has already been functioning since June, what remains strictly on paper, and what will happen if states on the external border lack sufficient capacity? Will the pact tighten migration control, or will it merely make the division of responsibility among member states more complex?

Our guest will be Denis Doksanský, MP, Chamber of Deputies of the Socialist Party of the Czech Republic.

Moderated by Karel Sál, analyst, Institute for Politics and Society.

The online debate will take place on September 17th from 4:00 PM, and you can follow it live on our social networks.