Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Austria and Poland can request full or partial exemption from EU migration pact obligations
ISTANBUL: Six European Union member states may seek full or partial exemption from the bloc’s Pact on Migration and Asylum scheduled to take effect in mid-2026.
The European Commission identified Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Austria and Poland as facing significant migratory pressures from cumulative challenges over the past five years.
These nations “will have the possibility to request the Council to grant a full or partial deduction from their contributions to the Solidarity Pool for the upcoming year,” the commission stated.
Under the Solidarity Pool framework, member states contribute to border management through relocation, financial support, and alternative measures.
Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, Spain and Italy were noted as “under migratory pressure due to the disproportionate level of arrival” and will be eligible to access the pool.
Twelve additional countries were identified as at risk of migratory pressure due to high arrivals, strained reception systems, or potential weaponisation of migration.
Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Finland fall into this category.
These nations will receive priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox offering technical and financial assistance.
The commission also announced a €250 million tender to support drone and anti-drone capabilities for states facing hybrid threats and increasing drone incursions. – Bernama-Anadolu
