On 12 June 2026, the rules of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum officially became applicable across all Member States of the European Union. The legislative acts forming part of the Pact had already entered into force in 2024. Member States were then given a two-year transition period to prepare for the practical application of the new rules.
The Pact is regarded as one of the most extensive reforms of the European migration and asylum system in recent decades.
The main objective of the Pact is to make migration management more predictable, effective, and fair for all EU Member States.
Why was the reform necessary
Following the migration crisis of 2015–2016, it became clear that the existing system for sharing responsibility among EU Member States was not functioning effectively enough. The main burden of receiving migrants and asylum seekers was carried by the countries located at the EU’s external borders, particularly Greece, Italy, Spain and Malta.
Other Member States often played only a limited role, placing considerable pressure on the national reception and asylum systems of individual countries.
The new Pact is intended to establish common rules for all EU Member States and ensure more effective management of migration processes.
Key changes
Stronger controls at the EU’s external borders
Individuals who have crossed an external EU border irregularly or submitted an application for international protection will be required to undergo a mandatory screening procedure.
The screening will include:
- identification of the person;
- verification of documents;
- assessment of potential security risks;
- an initial health check;
- collection of biometric data.
Accelerated procedures for examining applications
Faster procedures for examining applications for international protection will be introduced for certain categories of applicants.
The aim is to improve the efficiency of the relevant migration and asylum authorities and reduce the time required to reach decisions.
Modernisation of the Eurodac system
The modernised Eurodac database will contain:
- fingerprints;
- facial images;
- other biometric data;
- information about the movement of applicants between EU Member States.
This will support faster identification and improve cooperation among Member States.
A new solidarity mechanism
The Pact introduces a new mechanism to support Member States facing particularly high levels of migration pressure.
Member States may provide assistance through:
- accepting a share of asylum seekers;
- making financial contributions;
- providing technical and human resources.
What the new Pact means for Ukrainians
The most important point for Ukrainian citizens is that the new Pact does not abolish or fundamentally change the temporary protection mechanism.
Ukrainians residing in EU Member States under the Temporary Protection Directive will continue to enjoy their rights in accordance with the applicable decisions of the European Union.
Temporary protection for people who fled Ukraine because of the war has been extended until 4 March 2027.
However, the new rules may affect Ukrainian citizens in cases involving:
an application for refugee status or international protection;
a change of country of residence within the European Union;
biometric registration procedures;
future applications for international protection.
For most Ukrainians staying in the EU under the temporary protection mechanism, the application of the new rules of the Pact has not resulted in significant changes to their legal status.
Conclusion
The new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum marks the beginning of a new stage in European migration and asylum policy. Its objectives are to strengthen controls at the EU’s external borders, accelerate application procedures and ensure a more balanced distribution of responsibility among Member States.
For Ukrainians, the key point is that the temporary protection mechanism continues to operate separately from the new asylum system. The rights of Ukrainian citizens residing in EU Member States as a result of the war remain in force.
More information about the Pact is available here.
Compiled by - Anastasiia Malyshenko
