As a part of implementing the Asylum and Migration Pact, in the coming weeks, the European Commission will launch the Solidarity Pool, designed to ease the burden on member states facing high migration pressure—such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus. Other member states will be required to either accept asylum seekers relocated from these countries or pay a financial contribution per rejected migrant. EU interior ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss the details of the scheme.
However, several member states have signalled that they are unwilling to participate in the Commission’s proposed relocation quota of around 30,000 people, preferring instead to make a financial contribution, estimated at a total of €600 million. In principle, countries can choose how they wish to contribute to the system. Poland and Austria, in addition, have formally requested exemptions. Hungary cannot receive an exemption or a discount, despite Viktor Orbán insisting the country will not apply the rules. The new Czech government announced on Friday that it will also reject the scheme.
According to some sources, most EU countries, including Germany and Sweden, would rather pay the estimated contribution of €20,000 per non-relocated person than accept asylum seekers.
Under pressure from member states, the Commission appears willing to make concessions: although the rules foresee relocations starting in 2026, early indications suggest that far fewer asylum seekers will be moved in the first year, meaning the original target may not be met when the Solidarity Pool launches.
