The New Pact on Migration and Asylum: Understanding a New Chapter in European Asylum Policy

As the European Union enters a new phase in the implementation of its migration and asylum framework, an information session organised by UNHCR offered an important space for learning and clarification. Held on 24 June 2026, the session focused on the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into application on 12 June 2026 across EU Member States.

Picture of the session. Photo credit: @unhcrmalta, sourced from their Facebook.

The event brought together organisations interested in better understanding what the Pact means in practice.

It was divided into two main sessions. The first session offered a general overview of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, introducing its background, objectives and main areas of reform. Participants were guided through the new framework and the changes that have come into force, helping to clarify how the Pact seeks to reshape the European asylum system through more harmonised procedures, stronger coordination between Member States and new mechanisms for responsibility-sharing. For example, the new screening procedure was introduced, consisting of four checks: identity, security, health, and vulnerability checks. The three procedures that follow screening were also presented: the return procedure, the regular asylum procedure, and the asylum border procedure. 

The second session focused on key thematic areas such as the Restriction of Movement, Alternatives to Detention, Detention and Early Vulnerability Screening with particular attention to the four priorities highlighted by UNHCR. These priorities helped frame the discussion around

protection, access to fair and efficient asylum procedures, solidarity and the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights throughout implementation. 

The session also featured a speaker from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). The key goal of the EUAA is the harmonisation of asylum practices across all countries of the European Union. This agency supports the implementation of the Common European Asylum System with operational support, training and professional development, asylum knowledge and external dimension.

Picture of the session about the EUAA. Photo credit: @unhcrmalta, sourced from their Facebook.

Throughout the session, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers. The Q&A moments allowed for further clarification on the new regulations, their implementation and the potential challenges that may arise in practice. 

The information session was more than just a technical briefing. It showed that changes in asylum and migration law have a real impact on people’s lives. By bringing together UNHCR, the EUAA and an engaged audience, the event helped make the Pact easier to understand and encouraged reflection on how it can be implemented while respecting protection and human rights.