Immigration & visas 4 min read

European Commission proposes second Solidarity Pool for 2027

The European Commission has proposed a second Solidarity Pool for 2027 to support EU Member States facing migratory pressure. The proposal will take effect once the Council adopts a decision, making contributions legally binding. It targets countries identified as under pressure, at risk, or with significant cumulative pressures.

European Commission proposes second Solidarity Pool for 2027
Photo: European Commission - Migration and Home Affairs
In this story
  1. At a glance
  2. The details
  3. What this means for travellers
  4. Who this affects
  5. Frequently asked questions

At a glance

What changes
Proposal of a second Solidarity Pool for 2027
Timing
Effective after Council adopts the decision
Who is affected
EU Member States identified with migratory pressure

The details

Announced by
European Commission
Previous rule
The first Solidarity Pool was already in place and its implementation was progressing.
New rule
A second Solidarity Pool for 2027 is proposed, with contributions to be decided by the Council and made legally binding once adopted.

Purpose and scope of the second Solidarity Pool

The Commission launched the second Annual Migration Management Cycle and, based on its findings, proposed a new Solidarity Pool for 2027. The pool aims to provide additional support to Member States experiencing heightened migratory pressure, complementing the existing solidarity mechanisms established under the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

  • Support measures may include relocation of asylum applicants, financial contributions, responsibility offsets or alternative actions.
  • The proposal follows the same legal framework as the first pool, ensuring balance between solidarity and responsibility.

Member States eligible for the pool

The Report identified three categories of Member States. Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Italy are classified as under migratory pressure and will be eligible to access the pool, subject to responsibility rules. Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Finland are at risk of pressure and will have priority access to the Permanent EU Migration Support Toolbox. Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Austria and Poland face significant cumulative pressures and may request deductions from their contributions.

  • Eligibility is linked to disproportionate arrivals, secondary movements, asylum applications or temporary protection beneficiaries.
  • Priority access and possible contribution deductions are defined per category.

Implementation and timeline

The Council must agree on the size of the second Solidarity Pool and the exact contribution method for each Member State. Once the Council adopts a decision, contributions will be published and become legally binding. The proposal is not public, reflecting the confidentiality of the negotiation process.

The annual assessment carried out by the Commission will continue to inform future pools, ensuring the mechanism adapts to evolving migration trends.

  • Member States can choose between relocation, financial support, responsibility offsets or a mix of measures.
  • The pool is intended for the calendar year 2027.

What this means for travellers

Trip planning

  • Existing travel bookings are not directly affected by the proposal.
  • No changes to entry requirements for non‑EU travellers are announced.
  • Travel agencies may note the proposal when advising on future migration‑related risks.

Cost and documents

  • No new fees or documentation for individual travellers are introduced.
  • The proposal concerns state‑level contributions, not personal costs.

What you need to do

  • Monitor Council decisions for any changes to national migration policies.
  • Check updates from national authorities if you plan to travel from or through a listed Member State.
  • Stay informed about possible future adjustments to asylum or relocation procedures.

Who this affects

  • Member States under migratory pressure

    Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Italy recorded disproportionate arrivals and qualify for pool access.

    What to do Will be eligible to receive support under the second Solidarity Pool once the Council decides.

  • Member States at risk of migratory pressure

    A broader list of countries faces high numbers of illegal arrivals or asylum applications, giving them priority for the support toolbox.

    What to do Will have priority access to the Permanent EU Migration Support Toolbox.

  • Member States with significant cumulative pressures

    Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Austria and Poland have sustained high pressures over five years.

    What to do May request full or partial deduction from their contributions for 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EU second Solidarity Pool for 2027?

The second Solidarity Pool is a proposed EU mechanism for 2027 that will provide additional support to Member States facing migratory pressure, using relocation, financial contributions or other solidarity measures once the Council adopts the plan.

When will the second Solidarity Pool become active?

It will become active after the Council adopts a decision on its size and contribution rules, at which point the contributions become legally binding.

Which countries are eligible for the new Solidarity Pool?

Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Italy are classified as under migratory pressure and will be eligible, while a larger group of states at risk or with significant cumulative pressures will have priority access or possible contribution deductions.

Will the second Solidarity Pool change visa requirements for travellers?

No visa or entry‑requirement changes for individual travellers are announced; the pool concerns state‑level solidarity contributions, not personal immigration rules.

How can I stay updated on the Solidarity Pool decision?

Follow announcements from the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, as well as updates from national migration authorities, for any final decisions and implementation details.

Sections

EU second Solidarity Pool 2027 European Commission migration management cycle Solidarity Pool contribution EU Member States migratory pressure EU migration solidarity mechanism
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