Common migration rules introduced for EU Member States
On 12 June 2026, the EU Pact on migration and asylum enters into force across the European Union. Together with 26 other countries, Sweden will apply a common legal framework for the management and reception of persons seeking international protection (asylum). The EU Pact on migration and asylum introduces far-reaching changes to how migration to and within the EU is managed.
– The objective of the EU Pact on migration and asylum is to establish clearer and more harmonised rules across the EU and to strengthen control at the EU’s external borders. At the same time, the right to seek asylum must be safeguarded, says Maria Mindhammar, Director-General of the Swedish Migration Agency.
The background to the reform is the large-scale reception of refugees during the past decade, particularly in 2015, which led EU Member States to conclude that a common approach and crisis preparedness were needed in the field of migration. Following extensive cooperation, the Member States reached agreement in 2024 on a new legislative framework. The rules will be implemented on 12 June 2026 and will reform the asylum and migration systems of the Member States.
Shorter wait times for applicants
The Pact on migration and asylum entails changes across a range of areas with the aim of making procedures more efficient and reducing the time required to reach decisions for individuals within the reception system. It also provides for accelerated border procedures for persons who, for example, are not considered likely to qualify for international protection.
Enhanced border controls
More comprehensive controls will be carried out at the external borders of Member States for migrants who do not have authorisation to enter the EU. This procedure, known as screening, includes checks relating to identity, health, vulnerability and security.
In Sweden, screening is carried out in cooperation with the Swedish Police Authority and the regional healthcare authorities at the Swedish Migration Agency’s Reception and Return Centres in Malmö, Mölndal, Boden and Märsta. The Swedish Police Authority has overall responsibility for the screening process, while the regional healthcare authorities are responsible for health assessments.
Solidarity between Member States
The Pact on migration and asylum also introduces a so-called solidarity mechanism, which enables EU Member States to jointly plan and provide support to those Member States receiving large numbers of persons seeking international protection.
Two years of intensive preparations
Over the past two years, the Swedish Migration Agency has worked intensively to prepare for the new legislative framework. As part of these preparations, the Agency has cooperated within the EU and with several national stakeholders and authorities, including the Swedish Police Authority, the Swedish National Courts Administration, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.
– The Swedish Migration Agency will continue to develop its operations in cooperation with other actors to ensure an efficient and legally secure process that safeguards the rights of migrants, says Veronika Lindstrand Kant, Director responsible for the assignment at the Swedish Migration Agency.
What is the new EU migration and asylum pact about?
