The Annual Migration Management Cycle is a mechanism established by the Pact to assess asylum, migration, and reception in the EU each year. It identifies trends, monitors pressures on Member States, and provides a basis for coordinated support. 

The first cycle includes three main documents:

• European Annual Asylum and Migration Report (July 2024 – June 2025): The report shows a decrease in illegal border crossings, asylum applications, and secondary movements. Temporary protection needs and the hosting of displaced persons from Ukraine remained significant. Unauthorised movements within the EU continued to challenge the reception capacities of several Member States. Arrivals by sea and the weaponisation of migration by Russia and Belarus were also noted as ongoing concerns. Projections for 2026 indicate a further decrease in illegal arrivals.
   

• Commission Implementing Decision on migratory situations: Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy are under migratory pressure and will be eligible to access the Solidarity Pool. Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Finland are considered at risk of migratory pressure and will have priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox. Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Croatia, Austria, and Poland face significant cumulative pressures and may request deductions from their contributions to the Solidarity Pool.
   

• Commission proposal for the Annual Solidarity Pool: The proposal establishes the framework for contributions from Member States, which can take the form of people solidarity, financial support, or alternative measures. Contributions are coordinated according to each Member State’s fair share, but the form of support remains flexible. The Council will formally adopt the Solidarity Pool once Member States have pledged their contributions.

The Annual Migration Management Cycle provides a framework for the organisation of support under the Pact. Operational and technical assistance, financial support, and coordination mechanisms are defined by the Pact, and the full application is scheduled for June 2026, when the Solidarity Pool and associated support measures will come into effect.

For further details, please read the press release from the European Commission and the Questions & Answers on the First Annual Migration Management Cycle under the Pact on Migration and Asylum.