The new European asylum and migration pact, set to take effect in June 2026, features a solidarity mechanism for the annual redistribution of 30,000 asylum seekers from member states experiencing significant migratory pressure. Member states choosing not to accept asylum seekers may opt to pay a financial contribution of 20,000 euros for each asylum seeker.
Following months of negotiations on this sensitive topic, ministers reached an agreement on the relocation effort for 2026 on Monday. As the pact will only be implemented the following year, an estimated 21,000 relocations are anticipated, equating to a maximum financial contribution of 420 million euros.
The European Commission has previously stated that Greece, Italy, Spain, and Cyprus should benefit from the solidarity mechanism next year. While the specific details regarding transfers and payments remain confidential, Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt has indicated that Belgium will choose to make financial contributions.
Van Bossuyt has expressed her intent to minimize Belgium’s financial commitment, capping it at 12.9 million euros, down from an initial figure of 18.5 million euros. “We are continuing to seek further reductions. For instance, we held discussions today with the relevant Greek minister,” she noted.
(Brussels, 8/12/2025)
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