The European Commission has announced that Spain, along with Italy, Cyprus, and Greece, will be able to access a solidarity fund to relocate asylum seekers or receive financial compensations starting mid-2026. This measure is part of the EU's Migration and Asylum Pact, aimed at easing migratory pressure on countries facing disproportionate arrivals. The mechanism seeks to redistribute at least 30,000 asylum seekers per year.
The announcement came on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, when the European Commission outlined the provisions of the common solidarity fund under the Migration and Asylum Pact, set to take effect in mid-2026. Spain is among the four states facing the highest migratory pressure, marked by a “disproportionate number” of irregular arrivals, according to EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner. The other beneficiary countries are Italy, Cyprus, and Greece.
This mandatory mechanism will allow Spain to request the relocation of part of its asylum seekers to other member states or, alternatively, financial compensations if a country refuses its quota. Other options include alternative solidarity measures, such as financial, material, or personnel aid. While it aims to redistribute at least 30,000 asylum seekers per year, the Commission has not set exact compensation figures—up to 22,000 euros per refugee were discussed in 2023—leaving that to the EU Council. The fund was estimated at least 600 million euros two years ago, and a “high-level solidarity forum” will be convened to define contributions.
The announcement was delayed from mid-October due to reservations from several countries, such as Poland, which rejects hosting migrants or covering their costs. Brussels has introduced flexibilities, like exemptions, to address oppositions. The first annual migration and asylum report shows a “continued improvement,” with irregular entries down 35% from July 2024 to June 2025, thanks to increased cooperation with allied countries. Challenges remain, including secondary movements, Ukrainian refugee reception, and instrumentalization by Russia and Belarus.
The Commission categorizes states by pressure level: high for the initial four beneficiaries; risk for 12 countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, and Finland, with priority access to support; and significant situation for others like Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Austria, which can request deductions in contributions.
Brunner described the proposal as balanced to “restore confidence” and “control” at borders. “We are turning the page, showing control and unity, and supporting member states facing the most disproportionate pressures,” he stated. “Maintaining this balance between solidarity and responsibility is key to our success. We must continue advancing border controls and procedures, a faster asylum process, and effective returns,” he added. Pending are reforms on returns and safe country lists.