Migration 2026: Stricter Asylum Rules & €420M Solidarity Fund for Greece and High-Pressure States

In a key agreement in Brussels, EU Migration Ministers finalized the framework for asylum, the concept of safe third countries, and safe countries of origin for 2026. The new Annual Solidarity Fund will cover 21,000 relocations or €420 million in financial contributions, giving priority to countries under migration pressure—including Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Spain—through the EU Migration Support Tool.

Three Types of Solidarity Measures

Each member state can choose from three options:

• Relocation of asylum seekers
• Financial contributions
• Alternative solidarity measures for states under heavy pressure, such as Greece.

Countries facing significant migration pressure can request full or partial exemptions from solidarity obligations. The agreement will come into force on June 12, 2026.

Safe Third Countries & Safe Countries of Origin

The revised safe third country concept allows EU states to reject asylum applications when applicants could receive protection in a non-EU safe country.

Under the agreement:

• A connection to the third country is not mandatory for applying the concept.
• States can rely on an agreement or arrangement ensuring that applications are processed outside the EU.
• The safe third country rules do not apply to unaccompanied minors.

The following countries are designated safe countries of origin: Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia. For Kosovo, the designation does not prejudice political positions and aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 1244/1999.

Geopolitical Implications

As a frontline state, Greece gains priority access to funds and relocations, ensuring EU support during border pressure. The framework tightens asylum procedures while creating solidarity mechanisms to fairly distribute responsibility among member states.

The agreement is a milestone in Europe’s future migration management, combining security, financial support, and realistic response mechanisms for high-pressure countries.

Source: pagenews.gr