The planned relocation of asylum seekers across the European Union is facing headwinds, with the initial target of 30,000 individuals in 2026 likely to be reduced as member states grapple with implementing new migration rules. EU Home Affairs Ministers are meeting in Brussels on Monday to discuss the “solidarity pool,” a core mechanism within the revised EU migration pact designed to redistribute responsibility away from frontline nations. Concerns over national capacity and financial contributions are driving efforts to scale back the program.
The upcoming discussion centers on how to operationalize the EU’s new migration and asylum pact, agreed upon in December 2023 after years of deadlock. The pact aims to create a more equitable system for managing arrivals and processing asylum claims, shifting some burden from countries like Italy, Greece, Spain, and Cyprus, which bear the brunt of initial landings. This is largely achieved through the solidarity pool.
Reduced Asylum Seeker Relocations Anticipated for 2026
The European Commission initially proposed relocating asylum seekers from the four countries identified as being “under migratory pressure.” While specific details remain confidential, sources indicate the initial proposal involved 30,000 individuals. However, several EU member states are pushing for a lower figure, citing concerns about their ability to absorb more migrants.
Under the new EU rules, countries designated as facing significant migratory pressure are entitled to support from other member states. This support can take the form of either accepting a quota of asylum seekers for relocation or providing financial contributions. The Commission is legally obligated to propose a minimum of 30,000 relocations alongside €600 million in financial backing, but appears open to adjusting the numbers for the first implementation year.
“The Commission’s proposal for the annual solidarity pool covers a full year, but the reduced period of implementation is an element that the Council may consider,” a Commission spokesperson stated on Friday. This acknowledges the shortened timeframe for the first cycle due to the pact’s implementation date of June 2026.
Member State Resistance and Exemptions
Beyond the overall reduction in targets, a number of member states are seeking exemptions from their assigned quotas. Countries classified as “facing a significant migratory situation” – Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Austria, and Poland – have the option to request exemption, subject to approval by a qualified majority of EU ministers.
Poland, under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has already publicly declared its intention to neither accept migrants under the pact nor contribute financially. As reported by Euronews, Tusk communicated this stance via X (formerly Twitter).
Approval of any exemption requires support from at least 15 of the 27 member states, representing 65% of the EU’s total population. Crucially, any unfulfilled quota resulting from an exemption will *not* be redistributed to other countries, lessening the overall support available to those under the heaviest pressure.
Several member states reportedly prefer to pay the €20,000 per person penalty for not accepting asylum seekers, rather than hosting them. This preference is further fueled by the “responsibility offset” mechanism, allowing countries to deduct asylum seekers who have moved irregularly within the EU from their relocation obligations. The European Parliament provides further details on the pact’s components. This could significantly reduce the actual number of asylum seekers relocated.
One diplomat noted that previous transfer systems between EU nations have faced challenges with acceptance rates from frontline states like Italy and Greece, making the offset mechanism potentially advantageous. However, other diplomats emphasize the importance of minimising exemptions and reductions to ensure a truly solidarity-based system.
Hungary is excluded from any exemption possibilities, despite Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s repeated objections to the new rules. This signals continued disagreement within the EU regarding the fair distribution of responsibilities concerning migration.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting will be closely watched as it sets the tone for the implementation of the EU’s landmark migration pact. Disagreements over the size of the solidarity pool and the granting of exemptions could undermine the pact’s core objective of shared responsibility. Further negotiations are expected in the coming months to finalize the details and ensure a workable solution for all member states. Stay informed about the developments in EU migration policy as the 2026 implementation date approaches.
