The European Commission has indicated that next year, the number of relocations may fall below 30,000, as stated by EC spokesperson Markus Lammert. He noted that the solidarity mechanism is not expected to be operational until mid-2026.
Under the EU asylum and migration pact’s annual solidarity pool, member states are required to relocate a minimum of 30,000 migrants each year. However, with the mechanism starting on June 12, 2026, some member states are advocating for a reduction of relocations by 50%, since the regulations won’t take effect until the latter half of 2026.
During a press briefing in Brussels, Lammert mentioned that the EU Council must adopt an implementing decision to establish the solidarity pool. He clarified that the Commission’s proposal regarding this pool is not publicly accessible, preventing him from discussing the specific number of migrants or the extent of relocations. He acknowledged that due to the unique nature of the first cycle, which is impacted by the mid-year application of the pact, member states might seek to lower the expected relocation figures.
“The Commission’s proposal for the annual solidarity pool spans the entire year; however, the abbreviated implementation timeline is a factor the Council may weigh in their deliberations prior to the pool’s adoption, while ensuring a balance between solidarity and responsibility,” Lammert stated.
EU interior ministers will discuss the solidarity mechanism on Monday in Brussels.
The asylum and migration pact presents three options for showing solidarity with EU countries under migration pressure: accepting migrants, providing financial contributions, or offering operational assistance. Countries experiencing severe migration challenges can apply for a complete exemption from the solidarity pool. In November, the Commission identified six countries eligible for this exemption: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, and Poland.
The Polish government has requested a full exemption, which has been positively received by the European Commission. The final decision regarding the exclusion of certain states from the solidarity mechanism will be made by the Council of the EU through qualified majority voting, with the exemption lasting for one year. (05.12.2025)
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