Pact on Migration and Asylum enters into application on 12 June
Tomorrow, 12 June 2026, the Pact on Migration and Asylum will start to apply in all EU Member States. Adopted in May 2024, the Pact has overhauled the EU’s migration and asylum framework and now forms the centrepiece of the EU’s new approach on migration. For the first time, the EU has a comprehensive migration and asylum framework in place, with strong external border protection, fair and firm asylum rules, and a balance between solidarity and responsibility.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “Migration is a European challenge which must be met with a European solution. One that is effective, fair and firm. This is what the Pact on Migration and Asylum delivers – more secure external borders, solidarity between Member States and more efficient procedures for asylum and return. And to address the root causes of migration together, we continue to strengthen our relationships with global partners.”
The EU has opened a new chapter on migration and asylum of which the Pact on Migration and Asylum is a core element. It comes together with an assertive migration diplomacy, technologically advanced border protection (with the Entry-Exit System rolled out and fully applied), and new rules to make returns swifter and more effective, as outlined in the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy. The new approach is already showing strong results, with a 55% decrease in illegal border crossings compared to two years ago.
Core elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum include:
- Secure external borders, with new mandatory registration and thorough security checks of all irregular migrants crossing the EU’s borders illegally, fast-track border procedures in border areas for those unlikely to be in need of protection, present a security risk or mislead the authorities, and swift returns –without the person being authorised to enter the territory of the EU.
- Firm and fair asylum procedures, including shorter time limits for asylum procedures, stricter rules for abusive and subsequent applications, and rules to better prevent secondary movements.
- EU-wide standards for reception conditions, ensuring dignified reception standards throughout the EU, reducing incentives for secondary movements and facilitating faster access to the labour market (already after 6 months).
- A fair balance between solidarity and responsibility, with a permanent mandatory solidarity mechanism and a possibility for Member States to contribute to solidarity in a flexible way, addressing the specific situation of each Member State. It also includes clearer rules on which Member State is responsible for processing an asylum application, as well as faster processes on transferring applicants back to the Member State in charge.
- Strong safeguards, to ensure compliance with fundamental rights including an independent monitoring mechanism in during the screening and the asylum border procedure.
As of tomorrow (12 June), the new rules will be fully applicable, and Member States will be able to apply the rules in practice.
To mark this milestone, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner participates tomorrow in an informal Ministerial Conference hosted by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council in Nicosia. A press conference will take place tomorrow at approximately 12:45 CEST and will be livestreamed on EBS.
Next steps
The key pillars of the new system are in place. Looking ahead, implementing this complex set of reforms requires significant legal and operational work. Member States will continue to adapt and finetune the new procedures in the coming months, with continuous support from the Commission and EU Agencies.
In parallel, the Commission, together with Member States, will continue strengthening its migration diplomacy tools and working with international partners, including countries of origin and transit, while ensuring the EU has the rules and processes in place to attract the skills it needs to boost the competitiveness of our economies.
