New Pact on Migration and Asylum

Migration is a complex issue, with many facets that need to be weighed together. The safety of people who seek international protection or a better life, the concerns of countries at the EU’s external borders, which worry that migratory pressures will exceed their capacities and which need solidarity from others. Or the concerns of other EU Member States, which are concerned that, if procedures are not respected at the external borders, their own national systems for asylum, integration or return will not be able to cope in the event of large flows.

Based on a holistic assessment, the Commission is proposing a fresh start on migration: building
confidence through more effective procedures and striking a new balance between responsibility
and solidarity.

Building confidence: new balance between responsibility and solidarity

Clear responsibilities through better, modernised procedures

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.

A new mechanism for constant solidarity

Flexible options for Member State contribution:

• Relocation of recently-arrived persons
• Return sponsorship, whereby a Member State takes over responsibility for returning a person with no right to stay on behalf of another Member State
• Immediate operational support, longer-term support to build capacity on asylum procedures, reception of newcomers or return operations, or assistance in responding to specific migratory trends affecting Member States through cooperation with non-EU countries

Tailored solidarity responses for specific scenarios:

	Disembarkation following search and rescue operations at sea and vulnerable persons Relocation of those likely in need of protection Early identification of needs through a yearly foresight report Solidarity pool of national contributions, based on voluntary pledges Correction mechanism to guarantee effective support
	Risk of pressure on a Member State’s migration management system Relocation extended to recognised refugees Contributions based on Member States’ fair share Correction mechanism to guarantee effective support
	Situations of crisis Relocation extended to persons in the border procedure, those in an irregular situation and those in immediate need of protection Faster reaction at EU level through swift decision on contribution Solidarity mechanism focused only on relocation and return sponsorship

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
• Next steps: consideration by European Parliament and Council