The European Union's Migration and Asylum Pact officially came into force on June 12, 2026, two years after it was adopted by the European Parliament and member states in May 2024. The pact introduces a comprehensive reform of the bloc's migration policies, including mandatory border procedures for asylum seekers arriving at external borders.
Key measures include faster processing of asylum claims at borders, with a maximum of 12 weeks for initial decisions, and a solidarity mechanism requiring all EU countries to contribute to managing arrivals, either by relocating migrants or providing financial or operational support. The pact also aims to reduce secondary movements within the EU.
The implementation follows a two-year transition period after the legal adoption. The European Commission has been monitoring member states' preparedness, with some countries expressing concerns about the new rules. The pact replaces the previous Dublin Regulation, which placed responsibility on the first country of entry.
