EU Migration: Key Findings from the First Annual Asylum and Migration Report

On 11 November 2025, the European Commission launched the first Annual Migration Management Cycle, a new tool that monitors migration and asylum trends in the EU and identifies which Member States are under pressure. This marks a key step toward implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, preparing the Union’s systems for its full entry into force in June 2026. The cycle also includes the first EU Annual Asylum and Migration Report and a proposed Solidarity Pool to support countries facing high migratory pressure.

A Comprehensive Overview of EU Migration

At the heart of the new cycle is the First European Annual Asylum and Migration Report, which consolidates data from Member States, Eurostat, EU Agencies and the European External Action Service.
The report offers a full picture of asylum applications, migration flows and reception capacity across the Union, while also identifying key trends for the year ahead.

The findings show continued improvements in the EU’s overall migratory situation compared to the previous year (July 2024 – June 2025). Most notably:

• Irregular border crossings decreased by 35%, in part due to stronger cooperation with partner countries.
• However, the EU Member States to face significant challenges, including:
  • pressure from ongoing irregular arrivals
  • unauthorised secondary movements within the EU
  • the reception of refugees fleeing Russia’s war against Ukraine
  • the weaponisation of migration at the EU’s external borders by Russia and Belarus
  • persistent obstacles in cooperation on returns and readmission.

The report also notes that Member States are progressing in their preparations for the Pact’s entry into force, although reforms need to accelerate to ensure readiness by June 2026.

Commission Assessment: Which Member States Are Under Pressure?

Using the criteria set out in the Pact legislation, the Commission evaluated the migratory pressure experienced by different Member States. The analysis identifies several categories:

Member States Under Migratory Pressure

These countries experienced disproportionately high numbers of arrivals in the last year and will have access to the EU Solidarity Pool once the Pact is in force:

The pressure stems from continued irregular arrivals, including those following search-and-rescue operations at sea.

Member States at Risk of Migratory Pressure

These countries face significant risks due to high arrival numbers, strained reception systems, or hybrid threats such as the weaponisation of migration:

These Member States will receive priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox. In addition, the Commission will soon launch a €250 million tender to support the purchase of drone and anti-drone technologies to help countries dealing with hybrid threats and increased border incursions.

Member States Facing Significant Migratory Situations Over Five Years

Countries experiencing cumulative pressure over a longer period may request deductions from their required contributions to the Solidarity Pool:

Balancing Solidarity and Responsibility

The Pact includes a mechanism to ensure that solidarity contributions do not reward systemic shortcomings. If the Commission finds serious issues with a Member State’s application of the new responsibility rules, other Member States will not be obliged to fulfil solidarity pledges toward it.

This assessment is scheduled for July 2026 and October 2026.

Proposal for the First EU Solidarity Pool

Alongside the Annual Report, the Commission has also proposed the first Annual Solidarity Pool, which defines how Member States will assist those under migratory pressure. The proposal is confidential at this stage, in line with the Pact’s rules.

Once adopted by the Council, the decision will make each Member State’s contribution public and legally binding. Countries may choose between:

• People-based solidarity: relocation or responsibility offsets
• Financial support
• Alternative measures, or
• A combination of the above

A New Permanent Cycle for EU Migration Governance

The Annual Migration Management Cycle will now take place every year, ensuring the EU maintains an updated, coherent, and evidence-based approach to migration. The cycle underpins the Pact’s permanent solidarity mechanism, ensuring responsibilities and support are balanced fairly between Member States.

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Related articles:

• Commission launches first Annual Migration Management Cycle under the Pact on Migration and Asylum (external link)
• Single Permit Directive: EU Immigration Law Updates
• Mobility Rights of Third Country Nationals in the European Union