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.
More effective procedures
Introducing new border screening procedures, improving IT systems and adjusting rules for asylum claims
Well-managed Schengen and external borders
Reforming the Schengen Borders Code and introducing a new strategy on the future of Schengen
Effective solidarity
Improving relocation procedures for vulnerable groups and people rescued at sea
Legal pathways to the European Union
Attracting talent and supporting integration in local communities
International partnerships
Supporting other countries hosting refugees and fighting migrant smuggling
Flexibility and resilience
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.
New compulsory pre-entry screening to establish status swiftly on arrival:
- identification
- health checks
- security checks
- fingerprinting and registration in the Eurodac database
New, faster asylum border procedure:
- Where applicable, followed by swift return procedure, to speed up decision-making and make asylum procedures more efficient
Better migration and border management system:
- ImprovedEurodac database, contributing to the fight against irregular migration
- Focus onapplicantsrather 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
Legal guarantee:
- Independent monitoring mechanismto ensure respect of fundamental rights, supported by theFundamental Rights Agency,Frontexand thenew EU Agency for Asylum
- Individual assessment of asylum claimsand essential guarantees protecting access to asylum, the right to liberty, the rights of the child, as well as the right to aneffective 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
Easing pressure on a Member State’s migration management system
- Relocation extended to recognised refugees
- Contributions based on Member States’ fair share
- Correction mechanism to guarantee effective support
Helping in a crisis situation
- 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 andfive rotating Council Presidenciesagreed 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.
Documents
12 MARCH 2024
Factsheet: Taking stock of EU migration and asylum achievements
English
(1.3 MB - PDF)
Download12 MARCH 2024
Striking a balance on migration: an approach that is both fair and firm
English
(409.48 KB - PDF)
Download3 NOVEMBER 2022
Report on Migration and Asylum 2022
English
(434.92 KB - PDF)
Download3 NOVEMBER 2022
Annex to the Report on Migration and Asylum 2022
English
(342.95 KB - PDF)
Download29 SEPTEMBER 2021
Factsheet: EU fight against migrant smuggling and exploitation
English
(5.95 KB - HTML)
Download29 SEPTEMBER 2021
Report on Migration and Asylum 2021
English
(939.61 KB - PDF)
Download29 SEPTEMBER 2021
Annex 1 to the Report on Migration and Asylum 2021
English
(342.79 KB - PDF)
Download29 SEPTEMBER 2021
Annex 2 to the Report on Migration and Asylum 2021
English
(330.72 KB - PDF)
Download23 SEPTEMBER 2020
Factsheet: New Pact on Migration and Asylum
English
(8.49 MB - PDF)
DownloadMigration and Asylum Package: New Pact on Migration and Asylum documents adopted on 23 September 2020
Documents associated with the Migration and Asylum Package
