Brussels: Six European Union member states, namely Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Austria, and Poland, have been identified as eligible to seek either full or partial exemption from the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is scheduled to come into effect in mid-2026, according to the European Commission.

According to Anadolu Agency, a statement from the European Commission highlighted that these countries are experiencing significant migratory challenges due to cumulative pressures over the past five years. Consequently, they may request the Council to grant them deductions from their contributions to the Solidarity Pool for the upcoming year. This pool requires member states to support the EU's border management through methods such as relocation, financial support, or other alternative measures.

The commission further acknowledged that Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, Spain, and Italy are also under migratory pressure due to high levels of arrivals, making them eligible to access support from the Solidarity Pool. Additionally, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Finland are identified as being at risk of migratory pressure, either from recent high arrival numbers, ongoing strains on their reception systems, or potential threats from the weaponization of migration.

The European Commission has assured these countries of priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox, which provides technical and financial assistance to alleviate migratory strains. In a bid to further support states facing hybrid threats and increasing drone incursions, the commission has announced the launch of a £250 million ($289 million) tender to enhance drone and anti-drone capabilities.