Pact on migration and asylum
The EU has introduced a set of rules to manage migration more effectively and establish a common European asylum system. This system ensures efficient and uniform procedures, and solidarity and fair responsibility-sharing between member states.
The pact in a nutshell
The pact on migration and asylum introduces a set of rules to manage migration and establish a common asylum system at EU level, balancing member states' requirements with the protection of those in need.
Building on previous rules, the pact offers a comprehensive approach, bringing together key EU policies on migration, asylum, border management and integration.
The aim of the pact is to:
- manage arrivals in an orderly way
- create efficient and uniform procedures
- ensure a fair balance of solidarity and responsibility among member states
The pact as a whole was adopted by the Council on 14 May 2024 and the rules entered into application on 12 June 2026.
What does the pact cover?
The pact covers a broad range of issues involving all aspects of migration and asylum systems. Taken together, they ensure that the EU has strong and secure external borders, that people's rights are guaranteed and that no EU country is left alone to deal with migratory pressure. It also firmly embeds migration into international partnerships, helping to prevent irregular departures and combat migrant smuggling.
Main legislative fields of the pact
Asylum and migration management
Crisis and force majeure situations
EU biometric database (Eurodac)
Qualification
Screening
A common asylum procedure
Better reception conditions
Resettlement
Support in the implementation of the pact
The EU has put forward various measures to support member states in implementing the pact and its rules.
Following the adoption of the pact, the Commission presented a common implementation plan on 12 June 2024. It outlined the necessary steps to be taken to translate the pact's new rules into practice. Based on the plan's 10 building blocks, the Commission has monitored member states' progress in implementing the pact through regular reports on their state of play.
On 29 January 2026, the Commission presented the first European asylum and migration management strategy. Building on the national strategies, it sets out the EU's strategic direction for migration and asylum policy for 2026-2031.
Last review: 12 June 2026