Pact on Migration and Asylum Page contentsPage contents 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 proceduresIntroducing new border screening procedures, improving IT systems and adjusting rules for asylum claimsWell-managed Schengen and external bordersReforming the Schengen Borders Code and introducing a new strategy on the future of SchengenEffective solidarityImproving relocation procedures for vulnerable groups and people rescued at seaLegal pathways to the European UnionAttracting talent and supporting integration in local communitiesInternational partnershipsSupporting other countries hosting refugees and fighting migrant smugglingFlexibility and resilienceEnsuring 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:identificationhealth checkssecurity checksfingerprinting and registration in the Eurodac databaseNew, faster asylum border procedure:Where applicable, followed by swift return procedure, to speed up decision-making and make asylum procedures more efficientBetter migration and border management system:Improved Eurodac database, contributing to the fight against irregular migrationFocus on applicants rather than application to determine responsibility for asylum claimsDeter unauthorised movements to other Member StatesFacilitate relocation and better monitoring of returneesTrack support for voluntary departure and reintegrationLegal guarantee:Independent monitoring mechanism to ensure respect of fundamental rights, supported by the Fundamental Rights Agency, Frontex and the new EU Agency for AsylumIndividual assessment of asylum claims and essential guarantees protecting access to asylum, the right to liberty, the rights of the child, as well as the right to an effective 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 seaRelocation of those likely in need of protectionEarly identification of needs through a yearly foresight reportSolidarity pool of national contributions, based on voluntary pledgesCorrection mechanism to guarantee effective supportEasing pressure on a Member State’s migration management systemRelocation extended to recognised refugeesContributions based on Member States’ fair shareCorrection mechanism to guarantee effective supportHelping in a crisis situationRelocation extended to persons in the border procedure, those in an irregular situation and those in immediate need of protectionFaster reaction at EU level through swift decision on contributionSolidarity 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 and five rotating Council Presidencies agreed 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 2024Factsheet: Taking stock of EU migration and asylum achievements 12 MARCH 2024Striking a balance on migration: an approach that is both fair and firm 3 NOVEMBER 2022Report on Migration and Asylum 2022 3 NOVEMBER 2022Annex to the Report on Migration and Asylum 2022 29 SEPTEMBER 2021Factsheet: EU fight against migrant smuggling and exploitation 29 SEPTEMBER 2021Report on Migration and Asylum 2021 29 SEPTEMBER 2021Annex 1 to the Report on Migration and Asylum 2021 29 SEPTEMBER 2021Annex 2 to the Report on Migration and Asylum 2021 23 SEPTEMBER 2020Factsheet: New Pact on Migration and Asylum 23 September 2020Migration and Asylum Package: New Pact on Migration and Asylum documents adopted on 23 September 2020Documents associated with the Migration and Asylum Package Related links 5 November 2024Statistics on migration to EuropeMigration and Home AffairsTask force on Migration ManagementDelivering on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum
More effective proceduresIntroducing new border screening procedures, improving IT systems and adjusting rules for asylum claims
Well-managed Schengen and external bordersReforming the Schengen Borders Code and introducing a new strategy on the future of Schengen
Legal pathways to the European UnionAttracting talent and supporting integration in local communities
23 September 2020Migration and Asylum Package: New Pact on Migration and Asylum documents adopted on 23 September 2020Documents associated with the Migration and Asylum Package
