On 11 November 2025 the European Commission announced that Poland, along with five other EU states, may seek relief from the 2026 migrant relocation obligations under the new asylum‑migration pact.
What the Commission Decided
The Commission said that Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, and Poland – due to “serious migration pressure” – may request from the EU Council a waiver of their relocation duties for 2026. The decision will come in the form of an implementing act adopted by member states by majority vote.
Implications for Poland
Poland, experiencing migration pressure especially from admitting a large number of Ukrainian refugees, can apply for a relocation exemption and, consequently, for the related financial contribution to the solidarity mechanism. The Commission views the intake of war‑related refugees as a key indicator of migration pressure.
Who Benefits from the Solidarity Pool
The Commission has earmarked Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Italy as states facing heavy flows, qualifying them for support from the annual solidarity pool once the pact enters force in mid‑2026. The funds aim to balance external border migration pressure.
Next Steps in the Procedure
The Commission presented the first Annual Report on Asylum and Migration and drafted an implementing decision establishing the “solidarity pool”. The Council must adopt the decision, after which member states will implement the mechanism, effective from mid‑2026.
How the Solidarity Mechanism Works
New rules set out permanent solidarity frameworks: states can meet their quota through relocations, financial contributions, or operational support. The model targets at least 30,000 relocations per year at EU level, with a lump‑sum payment for each person not relocated. Detailed solutions stem from the Regulation on Management of Asylum and Migration and Commission implementation documents.
Additional Commission Actions
The Commission has announced a €250 million tender for drone and anti‑drone technologies to strengthen the EU’s external border protection.
Key Dates and Milestones
10 April 2024 – The European Parliament adopted the reform package, including the permanent solidarity mechanism.
11 November 2025 – The Commission identified countries eligible for waivers and frontline states for the solidarity pool; the document was sent to the Council.
Mid‑2026 – The pact is expected to take effect and the solidarity pool to be operational.
