Pact on Migration and Asylum

Migration is a complex issue that requires a common European response. The safety of people who seek international protection or a better life has to be taken into account, as do the concerns of countries who worry that migratory pressures will exceed their capacities.

Providing this common European response, the European Commission has proposed the Pact on Migration and Asylum, an EU framework to manage migration for the long term. This system, on which the European Parliament voted in April 2024, is designed to support Member States that face important migratory pressures and that protect our external borders. At the same time, it provides certainty and clarity for people arriving in the EU. It also allows Europeans to trust that migration is managed in an effective and humane way, fully in line with our values and international laws.

Building confidence

Based on a holistic approach, the Pact represents a fresh start on migration, to build confidence through more effective procedures and strike a new balance between collective responsibility and solidarity.

Introducing new border screening procedures, improving IT systems and adjusting rules for asylum claims

Reforming the Schengen Borders Code and introducing a new strategy on the future of Schengen

Improving relocation procedures for vulnerable groups and people rescued at sea

Attracting talent and supporting integration in local communities

Supporting other countries hosting refugees and fighting migrant smuggling

Ensuring a common and fast reaction to migration crisis

Clear responsibilities

More efficient procedures will ensure clearer responsibilities, helping to restore trust between Member States while bringing clarity to applicants. The rules will improve the link between key processes, notably asylum and return.

• identification
• health checks
• security checks
• fingerprinting and registration in the Eurodac database

• Where applicable, followed by swift return procedure, to speed up decision-making and make asylum procedures more efficient

• Improved Eurodac database, contributing to the fight against irregular migration
• Focus on applicants rather than application to determine responsibility for asylum claims
• Deter unauthorised movements to other Member States
• Facilitate relocation and better monitoring of returnees
• Track support for voluntary departure and reintegration

• Independent monitoring mechanism to ensure respect of fundamental rights, supported by the Fundamental Rights Agency, Frontex and the new EU Agency for Asylum
• Individual assessment of asylum claims and essential guarantees protecting access to asylum, the right to liberty, the rights of the child, as well as the right to an effective remedy

Solidarity

Flexibility for Member States to show solidarity with other Member States facing migratory pressure:

• Relocation of recently-arrived persons
• Immediate operational support
• Longer-term support to build capacity on asylum procedures
• Reception of newcomers or return operations
• Assistance in responding to specific migratory trends affecting Member States through cooperation with non-EU countries

Tailored solidarity responses for specific scenarios:

Dealing with vulnerable persons, such as those discovered following search and rescue operations at sea

• Relocation of those likely in need of protection
• Early identification of needs through a yearly foresight report
• Solidarity pool of national contributions, based on voluntary pledges
• Correction mechanism to guarantee effective support

• Relocation extended to recognised refugees
• Contributions based on Member States’ fair share
• Correction mechanism to guarantee effective support

• Relocation extended to persons in the border procedure, those in an irregular situation and those in immediate need of protection
• Faster reaction at EU level through swift decision on contribution
• Solidarity mechanism focused on relocation

An inclusive approach

• Intensive preparatory work since December 2019
• Two full rounds of consultations with all Member States, the European Parliament, national parliaments, civil society, social partners and business
• Careful balance integrating all perspectives
• In September 2022, the European Parliament and five rotating Council Presidencies agreed on a Joint Roadmap on the organisation, coordination, and implementation of the timeline for the negotiations on the Pact.
• In December 2023, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached a political agreement on five core elements of the Pact.
• In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted the Pact.