EU: The new Pact on Migration and Asylum in full force – What changes for Greece
The new Pact on Migration and Asylum is put into full application across the entire European Union as of today, June 12, 2026, bringing radical changes to the management of flows. This new framework introduces a unified system with stricter controls at the external borders, faster application examination procedures, but also a permanent solidarity mechanism for the support of frontline countries, such as Greece.
The new rules are based on three central pillars: the mandatory pre-entry check procedure (“screening”) of all illegally entering persons with full identification and security checks, the fast-track border asylum procedures within 12 weeks for those who have a low recognition rate, and the strengthening of the returns framework. At the same time, on the table is also the creation of the so-called “return hubs” in third countries, an initiative in which Athens actively participates along with other European capitals.
For the full understanding of the new facts, follows the analytical guide with the 10 + 1 useful questions and answers that clear up the landscape around the changes at the borders, the returns, and the obligations of our country.
10 + 1 Questions & Answers about the New Pact on Asylum and Migration
What basically changes with the new Pact on Asylum and Migration? The new Pact introduces stricter controls at the external borders, faster asylum and return procedures, as well as a mandatory European solidarity mechanism for the support of frontline states, such as Greece. The new Pact was voted for only by New Democracy, which supported the new European framework, demanding stricter border guarding, faster returns, and greater European support for frontline countries.
What is screening and whom does it concern? Screening is the mandatory initial check applied to all those who enter the country illegally, regardless of whether they submit an asylum application. It includes identification procedures, health checks, and extensive security checks.
How long does the screening procedure last? The procedure is completed within 7 days at the borders and within 3 days in the mainland.
What happens after the completion of the screening? After the completion of the screening, the third-country national is led either to an asylum procedure, or to a return procedure, or to a relocation procedure to another member-state of the European Union.
Who is subject to the fast-track border asylum procedures and what applies? Mainly persons coming from countries with low asylum recognition rates or persons attempting to mislead the national authorities are subject to the fast-track border asylum procedures. These procedures are completed obligatorily within 12 weeks. During this period, the applicant is not considered to have formally entered the country, does not have access to the labor market, and is under detention or strict restriction.
What is foreseen for those who have a strong refugee profile? Applicants with increased probabilities of being granted international protection are subject to the regular asylum procedure, enter the country legally, and have access to work, education, and other protection guarantees.
What happens when an asylum application is rejected? In case of a rejection of an asylum application, a return decision is issued simultaneously, and the rejected person either departs voluntarily or is forcibly removed by the competent authorities.
What is the basic benefit for Greece from the new solidarity mechanism? Greece acquires institutionalized European support through relocations, funding, and operational assistance, so that it does not face increased migratory pressures alone.
What changes with the obligations of Greece within the framework of the Dublin Regulation? Through the agreement with key countries of secondary flows, such as Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, outstanding return cases are erased until the start of the application of the new Pact on Asylum and Migration. In this way, from June 13, the country zeroes out the burden of old cases and shields itself against future migratory pressures.
What is foreseen for the return centers (return hubs) outside the European Union? Return centers (return hubs) are organized structures outside the European Union, to which third-country nationals whose asylum application has been rejected or for whom a return decision has been issued can be transferred. Their goal is the more effective management of returns and the prevention of illegal stay in Europe. The relevant institutional framework is foreseen by the new EU Return Regulation and supplements the new Pact on Asylum and Migration. Greece participates along with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark in a joint European initiative for the creation of such centers. The goal of the five countries is the conclusion of the first agreements with third countries (Africa) within 2026, so that the new structures become operational from 2027.
What is foreseen for safe countries of origin and the new Return Regulation? Greece has already integrated basic provisions of the new European Return Regulation, with the goal of accelerating return procedures for persons who are not entitled to international protection. At the same time, the application of the concept of safe countries of origin is maintained and strengthened, which includes Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. For the nationals of these specific countries, asylum applications are examined through faster procedures, as it is presumed that in these countries there is no generalized risk of persecution or serious harm. In case of a rejection of the application, return procedures are activated immediately according to the new European framework.
