The European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum entered into full application on Friday, June 12, reshaping the bloc’s approach to managing migration flows and asylum requests.
Greece has already aligned its national legislation with the new framework, completing the necessary legal adjustments on June 9 following approval by the Greek Parliament. The changes introduce new procedures for border controls, asylum processing and the return of people who are not eligible for international protection.
The new system is built around four main pillars: mandatory screening procedures at the EU’s external borders, faster asylum evaluations, stronger return procedures and closer cooperation with European institutions on migration management.
New border screening and asylum procedures
A key element of the new framework is the introduction of mandatory pre-entry screening for people arriving at the EU’s external borders. The process will use the upgraded Eurodac system, which helps with identification and registration.
The rules also introduce stricter timelines for asylum applications, aiming to speed up decisions while maintaining the procedures required under the new European system.
For Greece, which is located on one of the main external borders of the EU, the changes mark a significant adjustment in how migration cases will be handled.
Focus on returns and “return hubs”
The new pact also places greater emphasis on returns of people whose asylum applications have been finally rejected.
One of the proposals under discussion is the creation of “return hubs” — facilities in non-EU countries where individuals who are not granted protection could be sent as part of return procedures.
Greece is participating in a joint initiative with Germany, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands to promote this approach, while discussions with third countries are ongoing for possible agreements.
EU countries move toward implementation
The Pact, adopted in May 2024, consists of 10 connected legislative measures designed to create a common European migration and asylum system.
The European Commission has reported progress among member states in preparing national legislation, setting up border screening procedures, creating rights-monitoring mechanisms and strengthening their ability to manage asylum transfers and solidarity obligations.
A key development is the creation of the first annual “Solidarity Pool,” a mechanism intended to help distribute responsibilities between EU countries.
The new system aims to balance responsibility and support among member states as they deal with migration pressures.
Remaining challenges
Despite progress, the European Commission has identified several areas that still require work, including the completion and testing of the new Eurodac system, the development of border screening infrastructure, preventing secondary movements of asylum seekers and fully activating the new responsibility-sharing rules.
The Commission has stressed that the success of the pact depends on the effective operation of the solidarity mechanism and the participation of all member states.
To support the transition, the EU is working with agencies including EUAA, eu-LISA, Frontex, Europol and FRA, while €3 billion in funding has been allocated for implementation of the pact and support for people displaced from Ukraine.
The Commission will begin a second annual review cycle of EU migration policy in October 2026 with a new report on the state of asylum and migration across the bloc.
