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EU Plan Would Let Germany Skip Migrant Relocations in 2026 as Solidarity Mechanism Debuts

The draft credits past intake to justify a German waiver through 2026 pending Council approval.

Overview

  • Brussels’ first annual migration assessment classifies Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Italy as under pressure, giving them access to relocations once the new system starts in June 2026.
  • Germany is placed in a risk category and, by crediting prior Dublin cases as responsibility offsets, can request not to take relocated migrants or make financial or material payments through end‑2026.
  • The proposal sets a baseline of at least 30,000 relocations per year and €600 million in financial contributions, with confidential national benchmarks and options to contribute money or support instead of people.
  • Austria, Poland, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia and Croatia are deemed in an ‘accentuated’ situation and may seek partial or full relief from solidarity duties, while Poland and Hungary have signaled they will not participate.
  • Berlin welcomes the assessment; Commissioner Magnus Brunner cites a 35% drop in irregular migration and previews tighter external‑border procedures when the GEAS reform takes effect in mid‑2026.