The EU's overhauled migration and asylum framework starts applying on 12 June 2026, and the European Commission's progress report published on 8 May 2026 confirms that most Member States are on track — with EUR 3 billion already allocated to make the system work.

The Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopted in May 2024, rewrites how the EU handles asylum through ten interlinked legislative acts. The report, the third monitoring document after state-of-play reports on 11 June 2025 and 11 November 2025, finds the key pillars of the new system now in place.

What has Member State progress achieved so far?

Most governments have advanced on adapting national legislation and building the operational machinery the Pact requires. According to the Commission, progress covers:

• Setting up mandatory screening and border procedures, including independent fundamental rights monitoring mechanisms;
• Reaching sufficient reception capacity;
• Reinforcing capacity to process transfers to the Member State responsible for an asylum application;
• Implementing solidarity pledges.

At EU level, the Council's decision to establish the first Annual Solidarity Pool has put the solidarity mechanism on track.

What gaps remain before 12 June 2026?

Readiness varies between Member States. The Commission lists five areas still needing work:

• Testing and deploying the new Eurodac system, the central biometric database supporting the Pact;
• Facilities for screening and border procedures;
• Measures to prevent absconding and secondary movements;
• Rules on responsibility and transfers, alongside operationalising the first Solidarity Pool;
• Operationalising legal safeguards, including the fundamental rights monitoring mechanism.

The Commission stresses that 12 June 2026 is a start, not a finish line. Sustained efforts will continue well beyond June.

Who supports implementation, and with what money?

The Commission supports Member States together with five EU agencies: the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), eu-LISA, Frontex, Europol and the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). It has made EUR 3 billion available to support Pact implementation and temporary protection for Ukrainians.

The broader framework is also expanding. Earlier in 2026 the Commission adopted its European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, rules on safe third countries, and the first EU-wide list of safe countries of origin. A proposal for a new Common European System for Returns is currently under negotiation by co-legislators.

What do the numbers say about irregular migration?

The Commission's migration diplomacy is delivering results, it says. Illegal border crossings at the EU's external borders fell by 26% in 2025 compared with 2024.

The Pact entered into force after adoption in May 2024, followed by a two-year transition period. Under the Common Implementation Plan, Member States, the Commission and EU agencies have worked to translate the legislation into operational reality, built on stronger external border protection, fair and firm asylum rules, and a balance between solidarity and responsibility.

Full details are available in the Commission's report on the state of play of the Pact's implementation.