What is the Commission presenting today?
Today, the Commission presents a communication on the progress of implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum at national and EU levels.
The Pacts implementation is complex, requiring collaboration among various actors. Ongoing work involves several legislative acts. To prepare EU and national systems by June 2026, close cooperation among Member States, the Commission, and EU agencies is essential.
In June 2024, the Commission adopted a Common Implementation Plan for Member States, outlining 10 key tasks and milestones for this transition period.
Todays communication details each building block, highlighting progress made, challenges remaining, and next steps.
What are the next implementation steps?
Before June 2026, key milestones must be reached at both EU and national levels.
At the national level, Member States need to submit national implementation plans, contingency plans, and strategies, which are crucial for applying the Pact by mid-2026. The Commission supports Member States throughout this process.
At the EU level, important milestones must be met this year. In October 2025, the Annual Asylum and Migration Report will evaluate the migratory situation in the EU and Member States, providing a strategic overview. Based on this, the Commission will assess whether certain Member States face migratory pressure and propose a solidarity pool for relocations and financial contributions.
Additionally, a five-year EU Asylum and Migration Management Strategy will be introduced in December, focusing on both internal and external migration dimensions, building on national strategies due by June 12, 2025.
How will the Pact assist Member States once implemented?
The Pact establishes a unified European system to enhance EU border security, ensuring fair rules for protecting those in need while facilitating returns for those not permitted entry.
It balances solidarity and fair responsibility sharing, providing Member States the flexibility to address their specific challenges and ensuring no Member State faces pressure alone.
The Commission will continue to support Member States, alongside EU agencies, in managing migration through targeted actions.
Why is the Pact only coming into effect next year?
The legislation was agreed upon and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council last year, thus it has entered into force and is published in the EU Official Journal. The delayed application date allows Member States the necessary time to implement EU-wide rules and establish required measures in their national systems.
How will the Commission ensure all Member States are ready by mid-2026?
The Commission is steering the Pacts implementation at the EU level, continuously supporting Member States with additional funding and guidance.
A Pact Implementation Platform has been established to share best practices. Regular meetings with national authorities and expert groups clarify legal provisions. Member States benefit from peer learning and exchanges of good practices through the Technical Support Instrument.
The Commission has allocated €3 billion in additional funding to support Member States in implementing the Pact and hosting refugees from Ukraine, with ongoing work to finalize procedures for making this funding available by year-end.
How will the Pact improve cooperation with partner countries in migration?
Migration is a global reality and integral to the EUs relationships with worldwide partners.
To respond to migrations dynamic nature, the Pact needs additional efforts beyond the legislative framework. Strengthening global cooperation on migration is vital for successful implementation and management of the Pact. A 38% decrease in irregular arrivals to the EU in 2024 demonstrates that comprehensive partnerships yield results.
The EU should bolster partnerships with third countries to reduce irregular arrivals, expand the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling with a conference by years end, and enhance return and readmission cooperation. Furthermore, efforts will continue to promote talent mobility through Talent Partnerships and support refugee protection outside the EU via resettlement and humanitarian admission.
The Team Europe approach - a collaboration between the EU, Member States, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) - has proven effective in establishing or recalibrating partnerships.
For More Information
State of play on the Implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Pact on Migration and Asylum - Common Implementation Plan
Managing migration responsibly - European Commission
Pact on Migration and Asylum – Explanatory MEMO