EU to Relocate Asylum Seekers from Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Italy

The European Union will relocate asylum seekers from Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy to other member states, according to the European Commission's first annual report on asylum and migration.

These countries are considered to be under migratory pressure and will benefit from the solidarity of other EU member states in 2026, through the relocation of asylum seekers or financial contributions.

The Commission has proposed the Annual Solidarity Pool, a mechanism for determining the number of asylum seekers to be relocated and the amount each country should contribute. The proposal will be discussed by EU member states.

Each member state (except those under migratory pressure) must contribute according to its population and GDP, choosing between relocating asylum seekers, paying €20,000 per person not relocated, or funding operational support.

The final decision will be taken by a qualified majority vote. The minimum size for the solidarity pool is set at 30,000 relocations and €600 million in financial contributions.

Twelve member states are 'at risk of migratory pressure' and are required to provide solidarity. Another group of countries is facing a significant migratory situation and may request an exemption from quotas.

Some member states, such as Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, have already stated that they will not implement EU rules.

According to the Commission report, the overall migration situation in the EU has improved, with a 35% reduction in illegal border crossings.