EU migration pact sets new asylum and return rules across member states

The European Union has adopted a new Migration and Asylum Pact, entering its final two‑year transition phase that ends on 12 June 2026. The pact introduces a unified framework for tighter border management, common asylum procedures, and a solidarity mechanism to share the burden of arrivals among member states. Key legislative acts include a Screening Regulation for mandatory pre‑entry checks, a Return Asylum Procedure Regulation to speed up fair decisions, and an expanded Eurodac fingerprint database.

The agreement also creates "return hubs" outside the EU where rejected migrants will be held before being sent back to their countries of origin, positioning the Maghreb – especially Algeria, Tunisia and Libya – at the centre of cooperation with Italy and other frontline nations. Civil‑society groups warn the tougher rules could increase risks for migrants attempting dangerous crossings. The EU plans to fund the strategy with at least €81 billion from the 2028‑2034 budget, covering home‑affairs policies and the Global Europe instrument.