Czech Republic granted exemption as EU migration pact takes effect

On Friday the European Union’s new migration and asylum pact entered into force, introducing tighter border checks, uniform asylum rules and a solidarity mechanism that allocates assistance to member states facing excessive migration pressure.

The Czech Republic, which abstained from the pact’s vote and hosts a large number of Ukrainian refugees, secured an exemption from the solidarity contributions until 2026. Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar reiterated the government's refusal to participate in the solidarity fund while stating that national border‑control systems are prepared for the new measures.

Martin Rozumek, director of the Czech section of the Organization for Refugee Aid, warned that the pact relies on increased detention and rapid return procedures, questioning its ability to protect genuine asylum seekers. He criticized the lack of legal migration pathways and doubted that the solidarity principle will be effectively implemented.