According to the report, technical preparations for the renewed Eurodac database are progressing, although some Member States are still facing difficulties in setting up the new system. Work is ongoing to implement new screening and border procedures, with several countries having reached the necessary reception capacity and staffing levels. Challenges persist in locating appropriate infrastructure for border procedures and ensuring consistent reception conditions. Adjustments to asylum systems are underway, but the Commission underlines the need to reduce existing backlogs and delays, including through enhanced capacity and targeted training. Return procedures remain affected by gaps between asylum and return systems, and negotiations on the proposed Return Regulation have not yet been concluded.

The report calls on Member States to ensure that Dublin transfers are effectively implemented and to finalise preparations for the first annual solidarity cycle scheduled for October 2025. It also stresses the need for updated and coherent contingency plans across asylum, return and border management. In terms of fundamental rights, most national plans reflect the new obligations set out in the Pact, but further efforts are needed to operationalise the independent monitoring mechanism and access to free counselling.

The accompanying mid-term review of the Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021–2027 provides an overview of progress and remaining challenges in education, employment, healthcare and housing. While improvements have been reported in areas such as school inclusion and labour market access, structural barriers persist, including the recognition of qualifications, access to mental healthcare, and availability of affordable housing. The review also highlights the importance of targeted measures for migrant women and of multi-level coordination. Experiences gained from receiving displaced persons from Ukraine have helped shape recent integration policies and influenced funding priorities under EU programmes.

For further details, please read the Communication providing a State of play on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the accompanying Mid-term review of the Commission Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027.