The European Commission has clarified that Bulgaria, as a member state facing significant migratory pressure, may request a full or partial deduction from its solidarity contributions under the EU's new asylum pact, including the obligation to receive relocated migrants. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from MEPs Rada Laykova (ESN), Petar Volgin (ESN), and Ivaylo Valchev (ECR), Commissioner Brunner explained that the procedure is initiated by the member state concerned and can be requested at any time during the annual migration management cycle.
The answer, dated 24 April 2026, responds to a priority question submitted on 25 February 2026. The MEPs had asked why Bulgaria allegedly rejected a proposed derogation from the mandatory solidarity mechanism, as reported by German media in December 2025. They also sought publication of relevant documents and clarification on the validity period of any such derogation.
Commissioner Brunner's response did not confirm or deny the reported offer, stating that the Commission does not disclose or publish bilateral exchanges with member states. Instead, it outlined the legal framework: under Article 62 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1351 on Asylum and Migration Management, a member state facing a significant migratory situation may request a deduction of its solidarity contributions, which is then assessed by the Commission and decided by the Council. Bulgaria was identified as such a state in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2323 of 14 November 2025, and therefore has priority access to the Permanent EU Migration Support Toolbox.
Policy orientation and ambition The answer signals a procedural rather than political stance: the Commission emphasises that the mechanism is available to Bulgaria but does not comment on any specific negotiations. This leaves the ball in Bulgaria's court to formally request a derogation if it wishes. The response avoids engaging with the MEPs' claims about a rejected offer, effectively sidestepping the controversy.
Expected institutional follow-up No immediate follow-up is announced. Bulgaria could at any time submit a request for deduction of solidarity contributions, which would then trigger a Commission assessment and a Council decision. The answer does not indicate any timeline or further Commission action.
Stakeholder impacts - Bulgarian government: Gains clarity that it can seek relief from relocation obligations, but must formally request it. The lack of confirmation on the reported offer may leave domestic political uncertainty. - EU member states at external borders: The precedent reinforces that states under migratory pressure can be exempted from solidarity contributions, potentially reducing their burden but also shifting obligations to other states. - EU asylum system: The answer underscores the flexibility built into the pact, allowing case-by-case adjustments. However, it may slow the overall implementation of the solidarity mechanism if multiple states seek deductions. - Migrants and asylum seekers: If Bulgaria obtains a derogation, it would not receive relocated migrants, potentially affecting their distribution across the EU and access to asylum procedures in Bulgaria.
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