Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Today, Friday, June 12, 2026, the European Pact on Migration and Asylum entered into force in all EU Member States. Adopted in May 2024, the Pact represents a significant shift in the EU's migration and asylum framework and now forms the cornerstone of the EU's new approach to migration. For the first time, the EU has a comprehensive framework for migration and asylum, with strong protection of external borders, fair and firm asylum rules, and a balance between solidarity and responsibility.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Migration is a European challenge that must be met with a European solution – an effective, fair, and firm solution. This is what the Pact on Migration and Asylum delivers: more secure external borders, solidarity among Member States, and more efficient asylum and return procedures. To address the root causes of migration together, we continue to strengthen our relationships with our global partners."

The European Union has opened a new chapter in its approach to migration and asylum, with the Pact on Migration and Asylum being a key element. This pact is accompanied by effective migration diplomacy, technologically advanced border protection (with the full implementation of an entry and exit system), and new rules to expedite and make returns more efficient, as outlined in the European Strategy for Migration and Asylum Management. This new approach is already showing tangible results, with irregular border crossings decreasing by 55% compared to the previous two years.

The key elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum include: securing external borders through mandatory registration and thorough security checks for all irregular migrants crossing EU borders illegally; expedited border procedures in border areas for those unlikely to require protection, pose a security risk, or mislead authorities; and rapid return—without the person being authorized to enter EU territory.

Securing external borders through mandatory new registration and comprehensive security checks for all irregular migrants crossing EU borders illegally; expedited border procedures in border areas for those unlikely to require protection, pose a security risk, or mislead authorities; and rapid return—without the person being authorized to enter EU territory.

Firm and fair asylum procedures, including reduced processing times, stricter rules on arbitrary and subsequent applications, and rules to limit secondary migration.

Harmonized EU-wide standards for reception conditions, ensuring humane reception standards across the Union, reducing incentives for secondary migration, and facilitating rapid access to the labor market (even after six months).

A fair balance between solidarity and responsibility, with a permanent mandatory solidarity mechanism and the ability for Member States to contribute to solidarity flexibly, in accordance with their specific circumstances. This includes clearer rules regarding the Member State responsible for processing an asylum application, as well as expedited procedures for returning applicants to the competent Member State. Strong safeguards to ensure compliance with fundamental rights, including an independent monitoring mechanism during border checks and asylum procedures.

As of June 12, the new rules will be fully in force and Member States will be able to implement them in practice.

To mark this important occasion, Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Magnus Brunner, participated today, Friday, in an informal ministerial conference hosted by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Nicosia.

Next Steps

The basic foundations of the new system have been laid. Looking ahead, implementing this complex set of reforms will require significant legal and operational efforts. Member States will continue to adapt and refine the new procedures over the coming months, with ongoing support from the Commission and EU agencies.

In parallel, the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, will continue to strengthen its migration diplomacy tools and work with international partners, including countries of origin and transit, while ensuring that the EU has the necessary rules and procedures to attract the skills it needs to enhance the competitiveness of our economies. (European statement on this matter distributed in Brussels)