In a written answer on 19 June 2026, Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner outlined the detailed criteria, data sources, and methodology used to classify Member States under the Migration Pact's solidarity mechanism, responding to a parliamentary question from ECR MEP Rihards Kols. The classification determines which Member States are under migratory pressure, at risk thereof, or facing a significant migratory situation, thereby triggering access to the Solidarity Pool and calibrated contributions such as relocation, financial support, or operational assistance.
The answer, addressed to a question submitted on 6 February 2026, provides concrete details on the evidence-based methodology developed by the Commission pursuant to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1351. Brunner explained that the methodology aggregates elements listed in Articles 9 and 10 of the regulation, as further elaborated in a Commission Staff Working Document (SWD(2025) 792 final). Quantitative data is provided by Member States via Union agencies and Eurostat, following a common definition and methodology, and undergoes regular quality checks. The data sources are listed in an annex to the Annual Report, contained in a separate Staff Working Document (SWD(2025) 793) transmitted to the European Parliament, though marked as sensitive due to granularity and operational risks.
The assessment covers a 12-month period from 1 July year n-1 to 30 June year n for identifying migratory pressure or risk thereof (for the first report: 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025). For identifying a significant migratory situation, the assessment covers a five-year period from 1 July year n-5 to 30 June year n (for the first report: 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025). The results of the first assessment were set out in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2323 of 11 November 2025. The methodology was developed in consultation with Member States and is applied consistently across all Member States. Member States may request a reassessment pursuant to Articles 59, 61, and 62 of the regulation.
The answer clarifies the Commission's approach to ensuring methodological consistency and comparability, addressing MEP Kols's concerns about transparency and the ability of Member States to challenge their classification. The policy orientation is toward a data-driven, evidence-based classification system that aims to balance solidarity with objective criteria, impacting national authorities responsible for migration management, EU agencies providing data, and Member States potentially subject to solidarity contributions. The Commission has signaled that further details are available in the referenced staff working documents, and the annual reporting cycle will continue to refine the methodology.