Amid ongoing migration pressures, four European Union member-states, including Greece, have been deemed “eligible” by the European Commission for access to the so-called “solidarity pool” under the Migration and Asylum Pact, set to take effect in June 2026.
In its first annual assessment cycle, the Commission categorized member-states as “under migratory pressure,” “at risk,” or “facing a significant situation.”
Greece and Cyprus were listed as under pressure due to high arrivals in the past year. Spain and Italy were also designated under pressure.
Despite generally stable conditions compared to June 2023 – July 2024, Greece recorded over 60,000 illegal crossings, mainly from Turkey and Libya, with notable increases in Crete.
Twelve member-states, including Belgium, Germany and Poland, were identified as “at risk,” and will have priority access to support tools.
The solidarity mechanism allows member-states three options: relocate a certain number of asylum seekers to their territory, pay €20,000 per person they do not relocate, or provide other forms of operational or in‑kind support.
It includes at least 30,000 relocations and €600 million in contributions.
Decisions on contributions or relocations will be determined by national governments with a special majority of 15 of 27 states.