The European Commission has officially launched the first Annual Migration Management Cycle, a major step in implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The new cycle offers a full picture of Europe’s migration and asylum situation and prepares the EU for full implementation of the Pact in June 2026.

Annual Migration Report Shows Falling Irregular Arrivals

The EU’s first Annual Asylum and Migration Report highlights key developments from July 2024 to June 2025:

• Irregular border crossings decreased by 35%, partly due to stronger cooperation with partner countries.

• Challenges remain, including pressure from new arrivals, secondary movements within the EU, and continued hosting of Ukrainian refugees.

• Security concerns persist due to Russia and Belarus using migration as a political tool.

• The EU still faces difficulties with returns and readmission procedures.

Member States have made progress in preparing for the Pact, but the report urges faster reforms to ensure systems are fully ready by mid-2026.

Which Countries Are Under Migratory Pressure?

Based on the Commission’s assessment, several EU countries face different levels of strain:

Countries under migratory pressure:

• Greece, Cyprus – high arrivals

• Spain, Italy – high numbers rescued at sea

These countries will be eligible to receive support from the EU’s Solidarity Pool starting mid-2026.

Countries at risk of migratory pressure:

• Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland

These Member States may receive priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox. Their situations will be reviewed more frequently.
The Commission will also launch a €250 million tender to help states purchase drones and anti-drone systems to counter hybrid threats.

Countries facing significant long-term pressure (last 5 years):

• Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Austria, Poland

These Member States may request partial reductions in their Solidarity Pool contributions.

How the Solidarity Pool Will Work

The Commission has proposed the first Solidarity Pool, which will support countries facing high migration pressures.
Member States will contribute in different ways:

• Relocation of asylum seekers

• Financial support

• Alternative forms of solidarity

Once approved by the Council, contributions will become public and legally binding.

To maintain fairness, a country facing systemic issues in applying the new responsibility rules will not receive solidarity transfers. The Commission will review these cases in July and October 2026.

Next Steps

The EU will conduct this assessment every year under the new Pact.
The aim is to balance responsibility and solidarity, strengthen border management, and ensure readiness for future migration challenges.