Mariano Comotto Topics Covered
Il Pact on Migration and Asylum of the European Union, which will come into force in June 2026, represents an attempt to reform the management of migration flows on the continent. This agreement, legally binding on the 27 member states, introduces a series of measures aimed at reducing irregular immigration and ensuring greater shared responsibility between countries.
New procedures for asylum applications
Among the main innovations we find the quick procedure for the processing of asylum applications. If an applicant comes from a country considered safe or with a low probability of being granted asylum, their application will be processed as a priority, with a maximum of three months. If rejected, the migrant will be repatriated, while waiting for asylum they will be hosted in dedicated centers.
Responsibilities of the countries of first arrival
The countries that welcome migrants first, such as Italy, Greece e Spain, will have the fundamental task of registering asylum seekers and managing their applications. However, other Member States will have to demonstrate solidarity Through relocation or financial support mechanisms. The Commission has already initiated discussions regarding the need for assistance for countries under migratory pressure by 2026.
Repatriations and safe countries
Another crucial aspect of the new pact is represented by the repatriationsAlthough not directly included in the text of the pact, the European Commission has proposed new rules to facilitate the mutual recognition of return decisions between states. This includes clear rules for forced returns and incentives for voluntary returns. The establishment of repatriation centres in third countries, . in the protocol between Italy and Albania.
Definition of a safe country
Finally, the concept of safe country This is a crucial element. The Commission has started negotiations to define which states can be classified as such. If the current proposal is approved, an asylum seeker will no longer need to have transited through a safe third country for their asylum application to be denied, making the current system more flexible.
Political challenges and opposition
Despite the good intentions of the pact, there are already signs of political resistance by some Eastern European governments, such as Poland e Hungary, who have declared themselves opposed to the quota system for the redistribution of asylum seekers. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated that his country will neither accept migrants nor contribute financially to support those in need. Likewise, Poland has expressed its intention to remain outside the plan.
These positions could further complicate the implementation of the pact, as the European Union is faced with a sensitive issue regarding the solidarity among members. The creation of a solidarity pool to support countries under migratory pressure is currently under discussion and could pose a significant challenge to the cohesion of the Union.
The Pact on Migration and Asylum marks a new era for managing migration flows in Europe, but political challenges and divergences among member states could hinder its implementation. It will be crucial to monitor developments in the coming years, especially in view of the 2026 deadline.