The pact, approved in 2024, creates a common EU framework for migration management, including mandatory registration and security checks for migrants crossing EU borders illegally, faster border procedures for asylum seekers with low chances of approval, new return rules, and a solidarity mechanism between member states.
Under that mechanism, EU countries can choose to contribute through relocation, a payment of EUR 20,000 for each migrant not accepted, or operational support such as deploying personnel. Countries facing significant migratory pressure can be exempted from this obligation — currently Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic and Estonia.
Poland received a one-year exemption, renewable depending on future migratory pressure, citing its acceptance of millions of refugees from Ukraine and the costs of securing its border with Belarus. To extend the exemption, Polish authorities must submit a report to the Commission by September 1 confirming continued high migratory pressure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday that "migration is a European challenge that requires a European solution". The Commission says illegal border crossings into the EU have fallen 55% compared with two years ago.
Commission spokesman Markus Lammert acknowledged Thursday in Brussels that "with such a major reform, not everything can be perfect", noting the pact consists of 10 interlinked legal acts and that member states will continue refining procedures with Commission support, which will also monitor implementation.
Poland, however, has signaled only partial compliance. Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk told Polish state media last week: "We will apply those elements that clearly tighten migration policy, but we will not implement all the provisions".
Duszczyk said Poland intends to implement new return policy rules, a ban on the instrumentalization of migration, and the so-called crisis regulation allowing stricter procedures during sudden threats or mass migrant influxes.
However, Poland does not plan to implement provisions requiring additional border infrastructure, including new medical facilities and migrant processing procedures, arguing this could hinder strict protection of its border with Belarus.
The pact, proposed by the Commission in September 2020 and accelerated by the 2021 Poland-Belarus border crisis and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was approved by the European Parliament in April 2024 and by the EU Council in May 2024. Poland voted against most key regulations, while Hungary opposed all 10 legal acts, calling the pact an assault on national sovereignty. The pact was published in the EU's Official Journal on May 20, 2024, entering into force the following year and beginning a two-year transition period that ended Friday.
The Commission has earmarked EUR 3 billion to help member states implement the new rules technically and organizationally. A "solidarity pool" funded by countries opting out of relocation aims to raise EUR 420 million between June 12 and December 31, 2026, with a minimum EU-wide relocation target of 30,000 people annually.
(jh)
Source: PAP, Polish Radio