The Commission presents a first EU asylum and migration management strategy
On 29 January 2026, the European Commission presented the first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, setting out the Union’s objectives on asylum and migration for the next five years. The Strategy identifies three overarching objectives: preventing irregular migration and disrupting smuggling networks; protecting people fleeing conflict and persecution while preventing abuse of the asylum system; and attracting talent to support the EU economy. It also outlines a set of priorities to guide EU action in the coming years.
Under the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR), Member States are required to adopt national strategies to ensure the effective functioning of their asylum and migration systems, while the Commission is tasked with defining a long‑term European strategy to support consistent implementation across the Union. The 2026 Strategy is the first document prepared under this framework and is intended to provide a common political direction for EU action, supporting Member States and guiding cooperation with partner countries. It builds on the Pact on Migration and Asylum and related reforms.
The Strategy identifies the following five priority areas for EU action on asylum and migration:
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Stepping up Migration Diplomacy: enhancing cooperation with international partners, including through comprehensive partnerships, use of policy levers such as visa policy and trade, a whole‑of‑route approach, reinforced measures against migrant smuggling, and support for protection pathways and returns from third countries.
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Strong EU borders to enhance control and security: advancing digital border management systems such as the Entry/Exit System and ETIAS, screening all irregular arrivals at external borders, and strengthening the role of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
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A firm, fair and adaptable asylum and migration system: supporting Member States to implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum, providing targeted assistance and funding, continued solidarity under pressure, and strengthening and complementing the Pact to adapt to new challenges.
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More effective return and readmission: increasing the effectiveness of return procedures through a proposed EU return regulation with digitalised processes and exploring measures such as return hubs, and improving cooperation with third countries on readmission.
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Labour and talent mobility to boost competitiveness: scaling up Talent Partnerships, simplifying and accelerating admission processes for workers with needed skills, combating illegal employment and exploitation, and supporting integration measures.
The Strategy also refers to the strategic use of EU funding, including proposed allocations under the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, to support implementation.
For further details, you can read the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy attached below.