Key facts
- The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum has entered into force, establishing new rules for managing migration.
- Mandatory screening for irregular arrivals will be conducted at external borders and within member states.
- Border asylum procedures will be used for applicants deemed unlikely to qualify for protection or posing security risks.
- A solidarity mechanism allows member states to contribute through relocations, financial aid, or operational support.
- Pledged relocations for 2026 are fewer than 9,000, and financial contributions total approximately €76.3 million.
- Hungary and Slovakia have refused to contribute to the solidarity mechanism.
The European Union's new Pact on Migration and Asylum has officially entered into force, aiming to create a unified system for managing irregular migration, asylum applications, and border controls across member states. The reform package comprises ten legislative acts designed to strengthen border security, expedite asylum decisions, and ensure shared responsibility for migration management.
Key changes include mandatory screening for all irregular arrivals within seven days at external borders or three days for those apprehended inside a member state. Individuals deemed unlikely to qualify for protection, security risks, or those who provided misleading information will undergo border asylum procedures, with their claims processed while they remain in designated areas to speed up decisions and facilitate returns.
The new system replaces a fragmented approach with harmonised procedures, shorter deadlines for asylum decisions, and an upgraded Eurodac database for better tracking. Safeguards for asylum seekers have been strengthened, including free legal counselling, guidance on rights and obligations, and support for vulnerable groups.
A central feature is the mandatory but flexible solidarity mechanism, which allows member states to contribute through relocation of asylum seekers, financial contributions to frontline states, or funding operational border costs. This mechanism aims to assist member states facing high migration pressure. However, commitments have been significantly diluted, with fewer than 9,000 relocations and approximately €76.3 million in financial contributions pledged for 2026, falling short of initial thresholds. Hungary and Slovakia have refused to participate in the solidarity pool.