EU Approves Migration Reform, Germany Seeks Partnership Agreements for Repatriation

EU countries have reached a deal on the final piece of a migration package, paving the way for a reform of the EU's asylum rules after nearly a decade of failed attempts. In order to secure Italy's support, a reference on rescue missions by NGOs was removed from the text, which was favored by Germany. Poland and Hungary voted against the deal, while Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovakia abstained. The agreement is seen as a victory for Italy and a defeat for the German Greens. The European Parliament welcomed the agreement, which will enable the final version of the migration pact to be approved early next year.