The New Pact on Migration and Asylum represents the most comprehensive attempt to reform migration governance since the 2015-2016 migration crisis exposed structural weaknesses of the Common European Asylum System. The Pact introduces new mechanisms and procedures to strengthen external border procedures, accelerate asylum processes, establish a flexible solidarity mechanism among the Member States, and deepen cooperation with transit countries and countries of origin. Whether or not the Pact will be effective will largely depend on the implementation at the EU’s external borders and cooperation with the EU’s external periphery, including the Western Balkans and North Africa. Differences in priorities among the Member States, limited operational capacity and geopolitical pressure may also complicate implementation. To ensure long-term effectiveness, the EU will need to strengthen solidarity mechanisms, expand operational support capacities, enhance cooperation with partner countries, and maintain safeguards for the protection of fundamental rights in migration management.

Vol. 7 No. 2, 2026: Migration Management at a Crossroad: The EU Migration Pact and the Role of the EU’s Periphery (Derenčin) [ENG]

Author:

    • Rok Derenčin, M.A., is the Acting Director of the DCAF Ljubljana Regional Office.

* Views and opinions of the authors of this paper do not necessarily correspond to the views of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia.