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The European Union has long struggled to modernize and harmonize its migration policies. In June 2024, a new Migration and Asylum Pact was officially adopted — a bold and comprehensive attempt to fix a system that many consider broken.

The goal? To create a long-term framework that strikes a balance between responsibility and solidarity. On June 11, the European Commission published its first progress report on the Pact’s implementation. The report highlighted progress made — but also pointed to serious gaps that need urgent attention before the Pact becomes fully operational in June 2026.

Building a New Data and Border Infrastructure

A major element of the Pact is the overhaul of Eurodac, the EU’s central biometric database for asylum seekers. While many countries have made real progress in upgrading their systems, others are still facing delays. The Commission and the EU agency eu-LISA are offering technical support to help them catch up.

Border procedures are another area of uneven readiness. Some member states are already operational, while others are still figuring out key logistics — such as where to build new border control points and how to implement new screening protocols.

Reception Conditions: A Legal and Humanitarian Test

How migrants are received when they arrive in the EU isn’t just a logistical challenge — it’s also a test of the Union’s commitment to European and international law. New reception standards are being developed, but capacity remains an issue in several countries.

One particularly difficult issue is so-called secondary movement — when asylum seekers travel between EU countries without authorization. Better coordination is essential to manage this issue fairly and effectively.

The asylum application process itself also needs improvement. Many countries are adapting to the new rules, but backlogs and undertrained staff are still slowing things down. Expanding national systems’ capacity is now a top priority.

Making Return Policies Work

Under the Pact, return procedures for people whose asylum claims are rejected must be closely linked to the asylum process itself. This prevents situations where individuals remain in the EU without legal status for long periods.

Negotiations on new return rules are ongoing and need to be finalized quickly to close gaps in the current framework.

At the same time, the so-called Dublin transfers — where asylum seekers are sent back to the country responsible for their application — still aren’t functioning smoothly. This mechanism is vital to the Pact’s logic of shared responsibility, and its full implementation remains a challenge.

Solidarity in Action

The Pact isn’t just about rules — it’s about sharing responsibility fairly. That’s why the Commission is preparing the first annual solidarity cycle, scheduled for October 2025.

By next June, a permanent solidarity mechanism should be up and running. This means all EU countries will contribute in a way that reflects their capacities — whether through relocating asylum seekers, providing financial support, or offering operational help.

The European Asylum Agency (EUAA), in cooperation with the Commission and Member States, is working to assess the migration situation in each country and to determine the proportionate contribution of each country to addressing common challenges.

Crisis preparedness is also crucial. Each member state must create emergency plans to keep their asylum and reception systems functional even in times of high migration pressure. These plans need to be consistent with national strategies on border control, health, and returns.

Rights and Integration

At the heart of the Pact are new legal safeguards to protect the rights of people seeking asylum. That includes ensuring fair treatment, free legal advice, and the creation of independent bodies to monitor fundamental rights.

When it comes to integration, the Commission sees improvement — but also warns that more investment is needed. Access to education, housing, jobs, and healthcare remains uneven. Without real commitment here, long-term integration will remain out of reach.

A detailed mid-term review of the EU’s Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion (2021–2027) outlines best practices and persistent gaps. It’s a roadmap for turning promises into real progress.

EU Support and What Comes Next

The European Commission has made clear it will continue to support member states — through guidance, funding, and practical tools.

An extra €3 billion in EU funding will be available starting in May 2025 to help countries implement the Pact and support displaced persons from Ukraine. This financial backing sends a strong political message: the EU is serious about making this reform work.

The next implementation report is due in October 2025 — and it may be the final signal as to whether the Union is truly on track. For now, the clock is ticking.

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