The Netherlands submits its National Implementation Plan for the European Pact on Migration and Asylum to the European Commission
The Netherlands has submitted its National Implementation Plan for the European Pact on Migration and Asylum to the European Commission. On Thursday, 12 December, Minister Faber (Asylum and Migration) discussed the Migration Pact at the European Union in Brussels.
Minister Faber: ‘Submitting this plan is important for the effective implementation of the Pact. Together, we will work in Europe on aspects that include enhanced security of our external borders, improved screening and expedited procedures. These measures mark a significant step towards a stricter asylum policy, which is my primary focus.’
European Pact on Migration and Asylum
As asylum and reception systems in the Netherlands and many other EU Member States have been under pressure for some time, stricter measures are needed both within the Netherlands and beyond. The Migration Pact, which was negotiated over four years and officially adopted on 14 May 2024, will help address this. The Migration Pact includes nine regulations and one directive designed to limit the influx of asylum seekers into the Netherlands and other EU Member States, while also ensuring a better distribution of the burden among those states. The new rules will come into effect on 12 June 2026.
Contents of the Migration Pact
Strengthening European external borders is at the heart of the Migration Pact. This will be achieved through the introduction of screening for foreign nationals and accelerated border procedures for asylum seekers from countries with limited prospects of staying. The Migration Pact also emphasises solidarity with Member States facing migration pressures.
Implementation
The National Implementation Plan for the European Pact on Migration and Asylum outlines the steps that the Netherlands will take to be ready for implementation by 12 June 2026. The relevant chain partners, together with the Ministry of Asylum and Migration, are working hard to ensure all EU legislation is implemented on time. In the coming period, this will involve updating the asylum procedure, engaging all organisations in the changes resulting from the Migration Pact, and adapting the reception landscape to ensure there are sufficient suitable locations for the various target groups by 12 June 2026.