Migration and asylum

What the EU does

Migration and asylum policy is key for the EU’s internal security, border management, economic growth, and respect of international law and human rights.

The EU’s approach to managing migration and establishing a common asylum system at the EU level focuses on four main areas

Improving security at external borders, through more robust screenings, a comprehensive EU-wide database to identify everyone who enters the EU, and a mandatory border procedure.
Fast and efficient procedures, with common EU standards for asylum international protection and preventing abuses of the system.
An effective system of solidarity and responsibility, where no EU country is left alone under pressure, with clear rules to avoid migrants moving irregularly from one country to another.
Building tailored anti-smuggling partnerships with non-EU countries and facilitating legal migration and recruitment through an EU-wide platform.

Explainer: What is the Pact on Migration and Asylum?

Facts about migration and asylum in the EU

27.3 million Non-EU citizens living in the EU (6% of the EU’s total population)

385 445 Irregular border crossings registered in 2023, compared to 3 741 015 legal entries

11.2 million Non-EU citizens aged 20-64 working in the EU, many of which are essential workers

Areas of action

Pact on Migration and Asylum

Rules managing asylum and migration in the EU

Asylum in the EU

EU’s common system for asylum

Legal migration

Facilitating resettlement, recruitment, study and research, as well as family reunification

Migrant integration

Promoting the full participation of non-EU citizens into EU society and economy

Irregular migration and return

Actions to stop smuggling and reduce irregular migration

Migration management

EU actions to support Member States and partners on migration

Key achievements

With the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the EU is better securing control of its external borders. We are making asylum, border and return procedures quicker and more effective, with stricter time limits and more stringent rules to limit abusive or subsequent applications, with the necessary guarantees for individuals.
Member States will support each other using a flexible but permanent solidarity mechanism. Each of them will be able to choose the type of solidarity that they wish to provide. The EU is now better equipped to manage migration.
The Pact includes several protections to ensure migrants’ fundamental rights are respected. These include common asylum and screening procedures, checks for vulnerable people, and independent monitoring. Special attention is given to those most at risk, especially families with children.
Many global partnerships have been concluded covering issues such as economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, better migration management, and security.
The EU Talent Pool, the first platform to facilitate international recruitment, offers opportunities for non-EU job seekers across all skill levels in EU-wide shortage occupations. At the same time, it supports EU employers while fostering human capital development in partner countries.

In focus

Commission presents new 5-year strategy on migration

In January 2026, the Commission presented a five-year strategy on migration and asylum. It will guide future EU work in this area, helping to reduce illegal arrivals, while at the same time encouraging legal pathways to the EU. To achieve this, the strategy identifies five priorities

stronger cooperation on migration
strong EU borders to enhance control and security
a firm, fair and adaptable asylum and migration system
more effective return and readmission
attracting workers and skills

The Commission also presented the EU’s first-ever visa strategy. This strategy focuses on strengthening security, boosting prosperity and competitiveness and making visa tools more modern.