The European Commission develops and oversees common EU policy in the area of migration and asylum. This includes: the EU asylum system, legal migration, irregular migration and return, migration management in the Member States, migrant integration and statistics on migration to Europe.
The objectives and priorities of the Commission in this area are set out in the first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, which was adopted in January 2026 and covers a five-year period.
It sets out the way forward to achieve three main objectives: to prevent illegal migration and break the business of criminal smuggling networks; to protect people fleeing war and persecution while preventing abuse of the system; and to attract talent to the EU to boost the competitiveness of our economies.
This involves having in place and continuing to develop a legal framework that is fair and firm, and that effectively manages migration together with partner countries, delivering solutions while remaining true to European values. The EU's migration and asylum system was overhauled by the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into application on 12 June 2026.
The Common European Asylum System sets out common rules for managing asylum applications in a firm and fair manner, based on harmonised standards and streamlined procedures.
Labour and talent mobility are part of the EU’s economic model to boost EU competitiveness. EU policy on legal migration covers rules on resettlement, work, study, research and family reunification.
The EU coordinates efforts to sustain the reduction of irregular immigration into and within the EU, to prevent migrant smuggling, to build a comprehensive common European system for return and to improve readmission by third countries.
Managing asylum and migration in the EU implies solidarity for Member States in need, balanced with clear rules on responsibility. The Commission and the EU agencies support all EU countries in developing and implementing effective migration management and asylum systems providing financial and operational support where needed.
Successful migrant integration is essential to a well-managed migration and asylum system, ensuring that migrants who stay legally within the EU participate and contribute fully to the prosperity and cohesion of the EU.
With data from official sources, such as Eurostat, the UNHCR, and the OECD, explore the latest trends on immigration to the EU.