Only 14 EU Member States have submitted their National Implementation Plans for the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum by December 12, with Poland, Italy, and Hungary not yet complying. The European Commission warns of potential measures against non-compliant countries.
As of the December 12 deadline, only 14 EU Member States have submitted their National Implementation Plans for the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Poland, Italy, and Hungary have not yet complied. Poland, in particular, refuses to submit its plan, citing concerns over the pact’s provisions. The European Commission has warned of possible actions against non-compliant countries as the pact’s full implementation is set for mid-2026.
EU Migration and Asylum Pact Faces Challenges
The EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact, adopted in May 2024, has faced significant hurdles. The December 12 deadline passed with only 14 Member States submitting their National Implementation Plans, which outline how each country will implement the new EU rules. Poland, Italy, and Hungary are among the countries that have yet to comply. Poland has been vocal in rejecting the pact.
Poland’s Resistance to the Migration Pact
Poland’s migration pact resistance is rooted in concerns about the pact’s provisions. Under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Poland has refused to comply, citing a preference for stronger border security rather than implementing the pact’s relocation requirements. Poland rejects the need to relocate 30,000 asylum seekers and has resisted alternatives like paying €20,000 per person or funding the relocation process.
Despite negotiations, Poland remains firm in its opposition to the pact’s terms. The country’s refusal to submit its National Implementation Plan reflects its ongoing resistance. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak recently praised the European Commission for supporting Poland’s border protection measures, which include suspending the right to asylum temporarily.
EU Commission’s Response to Non-Compliance
Despite Poland’s and other countries’ non-compliance, the European Commission has continued to communicate with Member States. The Commission has offered assistance to countries that have yet to submit their plans. A Commission spokesperson confirmed that they would keep pushing these countries to submit their plans soon.
The Commission has warned that it could take proportional actions against non-compliant countries. While it hasn’t specified immediate measures, the Migration and Asylum Pact is a key component of EU migration policy. Full enforcement is expected by mid-2026. If Member States continue resisting, tensions could rise, leading to further political complications.
Poland’s Migration Challenges and Asylum Seekers
Poland’s refusal to participate in the pact stems from its concerns over the challenges it faces along its eastern border. Frontex, the EU border agency, reported 16,530 irregular crossings at Poland’s eastern border in 2024. Of these, 14,000 involved Ukrainian nationals under temporary EU protection. The country also received 9,519 asylum applications in 2023, reflecting growing migration pressure.
The Polish government argues that the EU should focus on regional challenges, such as the migration flow from Belarus. It believes that broader EU mandates do not sufficiently address the specific issues it faces at its borders.
EU’s Continued Push for Compliance
With nearly half of the National Implementation Plans still missing, the EU faces a difficult challenge. The European Commission is determined to fully implement the Migration and Asylum Pact by mid-2026. However, with strong opposition from countries like Poland, Italy, and Hungary, it remains unclear how the EU will enforce compliance.
The ongoing resistance from some Member States highlights the complexities of managing migration within the EU. National interests often conflict with broader EU policies, making it challenging to find common ground.
The Future of EU Migration Policy
The resistance from Poland and other countries has created a difficult situation for the European Commission. The December 12 deadline has passed, and ongoing concerns about border security and asylum allocation remain unresolved. The EU must navigate these complex issues to implement the pact by 2026. The future of EU migration policy depends on resolving these disagreements and balancing national security concerns with EU-wide responsibilities.