EU governments consider tougher migration rules just three months after pact takes effect
Several European governments are preparing a new package of changes to EU migration policy just three months after the bloc’s new Migration and Asylum Pact began to take effect. The proposals aim to simplify certain procedures while strengthening controls, particularly in the areas of asylum, returns and the management of arrivals in EU territory.
Representatives from around 18 countries, including EU member states and non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom, are due to meet in Munich on Saturday to discuss possible changes to Europe’s migration system, according to documents from the meeting cited by Euractiv.
The meeting will be chaired by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. Among the proposals under discussion is a request for the European Commission to present a new legislative package by mid-2027 aimed at simplifying the bloc’s migration rules.
One of the issues on the table is whether it should be easier to withdraw certain forms of protection from foreign nationals, including in cases involving people convicted of serious crimes, with a view to their subsequent removal where legally possible.
Governments are also expected to examine ways of reducing the complexity of asylum procedures and speeding up checks carried out when people enter the European migration system.
Changes to Eurodac and the use of artificial intelligence
The proposed review could also affect Eurodac, the EU database used to register and track people who enter the bloc’s asylum and migration system.
Member states will consider whether to add more information collected during initial checks to the platform. The aim would be to give national authorities a more comprehensive record of people moving through the various stages of the European migration system.
Another proposal involves creating a specific legal framework for using artificial intelligence in certain interpretation tasks during asylum procedures.
Supporters of the measure argue that it could reduce part of the administrative burden and speed up procedures that currently rely on interpreters and additional resources from national authorities.
The debate comes just three months after the 10 rules making up the new European Migration and Asylum Pact began to apply on June 12. Brussels presented the reform as a framework designed to harmonise rules governing border controls, the reception of migrants and the processing of international protection applications.
Among other measures, the new framework provides for the registration of irregular arrivals and identity, security and health checks, as well as accelerated border procedures for certain asylum and return cases.
EU moves ahead with return centres outside the bloc
The review of asylum rules comes alongside another process aimed at strengthening Europe’s return policy.
The European Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement in June on a new framework that would allow member states to use return centres located outside the European Union for certain people who have no right to remain in EU territory.
In early September, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands agreed to work together on a timetable and model for developing such facilities, according to Euractiv.
The European rules also provide for forced returns in certain circumstances. These include cases in which an individual fails to cooperate with authorities, moves to another member state to avoid the procedure, does not comply with a deadline for voluntary departure, or is considered a security risk.
The effectiveness of return orders remains one of the main challenges facing European migration policy. The European Commission said in June that, despite an improvement during 2025, only around 28% of people who received a return order actually left the European Union.
Brussels considers expanding Frontex’s role
At the same time, the European Commission is working on plans to expand the powers of Frontex, the agency responsible for supporting member states in protecting the EU’s external borders.
According to Euractiv, the options being considered include giving the agency a greater role in return operations and cooperation with third countries. New responsibilities related to monitoring disinformation campaigns on social media are also being examined.
Migration will return to the agenda of EU interior ministers on October 1 in Luxembourg. The meeting is expected to address new ways of improving returns through greater cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
The European Commission will also provide an update on the first months of implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact. Migration policy is then expected to return to the agenda of EU heads of state and government at the next European Council meeting.
