EU migration and asylum pact to take effect across all Member States on 12 June

The European Union’s Pact on Migration and Asylum will start applying across all member states on Friday, 12 June, bringing into force a comprehensive overhaul of the bloc’s migration and asylum framework that the European Commission described as the centrepiece of a new European approach to migration.

In a statement, the European Commission said that the pact, adopted in May 2024, introduces “the first comprehensive EU migration and asylum framework, combining stronger external border protection, fair and firm asylum rules, and a balance between solidarity and responsibility among member states.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that 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,” von der Leyen said.

The Commission said the pact forms part of a broader migration strategy that also includes an assertive migration diplomacy, technologically advanced border protection through the rollout and full application of the Entry-Exit System, and new rules designed to make returns swifter and more effective as outlined in the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy.

According to the Commission, the new approach is already showing results, with illegal border crossings decreasing by 55% compared to two years ago.

Among the core elements of the pact are secure external borders, including new mandatory registration procedures and thorough security checks for all irregular migrants crossing the EU’s borders illegally.

The framework also introduces fast-track border procedures in border areas for individuals deemed unlikely to be in need of protection, those who present a security risk, or those who mislead authorities, alongside swift return procedures without the person being authorised to enter the territory of the European Union.

The pact also introduces “firm and fair” asylum procedures, including shorter time limits for asylum applications, stricter rules governing abusive and subsequent applications, and measures intended to better prevent secondary movements between member states.

EU-wide standards for reception conditions are also included, with the Commission saying these will ensure dignified reception standards throughout the bloc, reduce incentives for secondary movements and facilitate faster access to the labour market, including after six months.

Another central element is a permanent mandatory solidarity mechanism intended to establish a fair balance between solidarity and responsibility.

The system allows member states to contribute in a flexible manner according to their individual circumstances and includes clearer rules on determining which member state is responsible for processing an asylum application, as well as faster procedures for transferring applicants back to the responsible country.

The Commission also highlighted strong safeguards aimed at ensuring compliance with fundamental rights, including an independent monitoring mechanism during both screening procedures and asylum border procedures.

With the rules becoming fully applicable from 12 June, member states will now be able to begin applying the framework in practice, the statement said.

To mark the milestone, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner will participate in an informal ministerial conference hosted by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council in Nicosia. A press conference is scheduled to take place at approximately 12:45 CEST and will be livestreamed on EBS.

The Commission said the key pillars of the new system are now in place, but acknowledged that implementing the reforms will require significant legal and operational work.

Member states will continue adapting and fine-tuning the new procedures in the coming months with the support of the Commission and EU agencies.

In parallel, the Commission said it will continue strengthening migration diplomacy tools and working with international partners, including countries of origin and transit, while ensuring that the European Union has the rules and processes necessary to attract the skills needed to boost the competitiveness of European economies, the statement said.

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta EU migration and asylum pact to take effect across all Member States on 12 June