EU puts Migration and Asylum Pact into full effect, Greece rolls out fast-track rules and return hubs plan

The EU's most ambitious migration reform in decades became operational on 12 June, replacing the fragmented Dublin system with a single rulebook. Frontline states like Greece now face both new obligations and guaranteed EU-level support.

What the Pact changes

Every irregular arrival must undergo mandatory screening — identity, security, health and vulnerability checks — and be registered in the upgraded Eurodac database. Asylum claims from certain nationalities will follow an obligatory border procedure, with decisions expected within seven days in express cases. Those refused protection will be channelled directly into return procedures. The Pact also obliges all member states to contribute to a yearly solidarity pool, helping countries under pressure through relocations, funding or operational aid, though most governments so far prefer financial contributions over taking in asylum seekers.

“12 June is the starting point, not the end of the journey.”

Greece's four-pillar framework

Greece passed its incorporation bill on 9 June, resting on four pillars: mandatory screening at external borders using the new Eurodac, accelerated asylum processing with stricter deadlines and border procedures, a strengthened returns framework, and deeper cooperation with EU agencies. The law was approved only by the governing New Democracy party.

The return hubs initiative

A group of five member states — Greece, Germany, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands — is jointly promoting the creation of "return hubs" in non-EU countries. These centres would hold individuals whose asylum applications have been definitively rejected. Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris confirmed that contacts with third countries are underway to sign the first agreements.

An incomplete launch

Commissioner Brunner cautioned that critical components are not yet fully operational. Most urgently, the Eurodac database — described as the backbone of the new identification and tracking system — is not 100% ready.

“We are not yet at 100%.”

A Commission progress report in early May noted that while member states have made significant advances, further work is needed before the framework reaches full operational maturity. Currently, fewer than 30% of deportation orders are enforced across the EU, a figure the new rules aim to raise.