EU migration and asylum pact takes effect, tightening borders for Greece

From 12 June 2026 the European Union’s new Migration and Asylum Pact is fully in force across all member states. The pact introduces stricter checks at external borders, a mandatory pre‑screening (screening) of all irregular entrants, fast‑track asylum procedures that must be completed within 12 weeks for applicants from low‑recognition countries, and reinforced return mechanisms. An EU‑wide solidarity fund and an annual solidarity pool will provide financial and operational support to frontline states, notably Greece.

Greece has transposed the pact into national law following a parliamentary vote on 9 June, adapting its immigration framework to the EU requirements. The country will take part in creating “return hubs” in third countries to handle persons whose asylum claims are rejected. The pact, adopted in May 2024 and comprising ten linked legislative acts, also expands the use of the Eurodac biometric database and seeks to improve coordination of transfers between member states. The European Commission reports progress but notes remaining steps before full operational rollout.