The Dawn of "Mandatory Solidarity"
Newsroom
The European Union is preparing for a pivotal shift in the way it manages migratory flows, with the official announcement that Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy will be the countries that primarily benefit from the new "EU Solidarity Pool" mechanism. This development, initially reported by Reuters and confirmed by the European Commission, signals the transition from the old "Dublin" system to "mandatory solidarity," one of the most contentious points of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum.
The Background: The New Pact
This decision marks the first substantive implementation of the New Pact, a package of legislative texts politically agreed upon after three years of difficult negotiations, which is expected to enter full force in mid-2026. The Pact establishes a new permanent solidarity mechanism among member states, aiming to balance the excessive burden carried by frontline countries.
In contrast to the previous system, which allowed member states to voluntarily offer support, the new framework makes contributions mandatory. States that are not facing significant migratory pressure will be required to contribute proportionally (based on population and GDP) by choosing one of the following forms of solidarity:
Relocation of a specific number of asylum seekers.
Financial contribution (set at €20,000 per person they decline to relocate).
Provision of operational or technical support (e.g., personnel, equipment).
Countries Under "Disproportionate Pressure"
The recognition of the four countries as primary beneficiaries is based on the First European Annual Report on Asylum and Migration by the Commission, which analyzes the situation during the period from July 2024 to June 2025.
Greece & Cyprus: They are recognized as countries under pressure due to the disproportionate number of arrivals relative to their population size and the capacity of their reception systems. Specifically for Cyprus, the report notes that despite a decrease in irregular entries in the Eastern Mediterranean, the country ranks third in the EU for irregular entries relative to its GDP and population, with the numbers creating additional pressure on its asylum system.
Spain & Italy: These nations face significant pressure due to the high number of arrivals resulting from search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea.
The full implementation of the "Solidarity Pool," which mandates a minimum fund size of 30,000 people and €600 million, will commence in mid-2026. The Commission will review the situation twice a year to determine the required size of support.
Reactions and Refusal from Some States
Despite the agreement being characterized as "historic" by some officials (such as the German Foreign Minister), the Pact has provoked strong reactions, particularly from Central European countries.
The Prime Ministers of Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia have already stated they will refuse to implement the new rules, with the Polish Prime Minister explicitly declaring: "Poland will not accept migrants under the Migration Pact. Nor will we pay for it." This refusal highlights the deep division within the Union and makes it clear that the effective implementation of "mandatory solidarity" will be tested in practice.
Border Reinforcement: The Drone Front
In a parallel move that underscores the focus on external border security, the Commission announced it will launch a tender worth €250 million for enhanced surveillance. These funds will be allocated for the procurement of drone systems and anti-drone capabilities, aiming to improve security and flow management at the external borders of member states, including Greece and Cyprus.
The first evaluation of the new framework is expected in July 2026, where it will be determined whether the system can truly achieve the balance, solidarity, and effective management of migratory challenges that Europe so urgently needs.
