The EU has again named Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus as countries facing migration pressure, making them eligible for support under a shared asylum system in 2027 despite falling irregular arrivals across the bloc. In its Nov. 6 assessment, the European Commission said the four countries face disproportionate demands on their asylum and migration systems.
Other member states can provide support by relocating asylum applicants, making financial contributions or taking responsibility for certain cases. The Commission has proposed a solidarity pool for 2027, but EU governments must still decide its size and how each country will contribute.
Spain’s designation followed an emergency in the Spanish city of Ceuta, on the border with Morocco. Spanish authorities reported about 72,000 irregular arrivals on July 30 and 31, including 3,560 unaccompanied minors. More than 90% returned to Morocco within days, authorities said. Although the incident occurred after the report’s June cutoff, Spain asked for it to be considered.
EU sees migration pressure persist in Greece and Cyprus
Greece recorded 23% fewer irregular border crossings than in the previous reporting period, but it still had the highest number relative to its population and economic size. Asylum applications fell 19%, while arrivals on Crete more than doubled. The island recorded about 21,000 arrivals.
Cyprus recorded a 34% drop in irregular crossings but ranked second in asylum applications relative to population and economic size. The commission also pointed to temporary protection registrations and pressure on the country’s system for returning migrants.
Italy faced a different challenge. It accounted for 42% of people brought ashore in the bloc following sea rescue operations, despite a 33% decline in such arrivals compared with the previous reporting period.
Across the bloc, irregular border crossings fell 32%, while asylum applications dropped 16% during the 12 months through June 2026. The report nevertheless found that the burden remains uneven among member states.
Italy’s access to EU support faces further review
The findings come as the EU implements its Pact on Migration and Asylum, which took full effect June 12. The Commission said Italy had made progress toward accepting transfers of asylum applicants from other member states but had not yet demonstrated that such transfers had resumed consistently.
Italy’s share of the solidarity pool will be put into operation only after further monitoring shows progress. The assessment also identified 15 countries at risk of migration pressure and six facing a significant migration situation because of pressures accumulated over five years.
The Council of the EU must agree on the 2027 solidarity pool and national contributions before the commitments become legally binding, according to the report.
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