The European Union is set to introduce a “solidarity pool” next year to support member states grappling with migration pressures. This initiative is part of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, aiming to share the burden of hosting refugees and asylum seekers among member states. Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy are expected to be the primary beneficiaries, given their disproportionate levels of arrivals and search and rescue operations at sea.
The solidarity pool will allow other EU countries to contribute in various ways: relocating asylum seekers, providing financial support, or offering operational aid like personnel or equipment. The European Commission has proposed a €430 million pool, with some countries opting for financial contributions instead of relocation. However, the final agreement has reduced the solidarity package to 21,000 relocations and €420 million in financial contributions for 2026, sparking concerns about reduced support for frontline nations.
Six EU countries, including Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Austria, and Poland, may seek exemptions from contributing to the solidarity pool due to significant migratory pressures. The EU’s goal is to balance solidarity and responsibility, ensuring that countries under pressure receive necessary support while promoting fair burden-sharing among member states.
