The European Commission’s 2025 European Annual Asylum and Migration Report has classified Belgium as a “risk country” with regard migration pressure. 11 other EU countries, including Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland are also considered by the Commission to considered to face a potential migration pressure risk.
The report covers the period from July 2024 to June 2025. It notes a “steady improvement” in migration trends, including a 35% fall in illegal border crossings. However, it also highlights ongoing challenges such as arrival of undocumented migrants and the reception of refugees from Ukraine.
The 27 EU member states were ranked according to factors such as the number of migrants and asylum applications, GDP and population size. Belgium is among twelve EU member states identified as facing a potential risk of migration pressure, whereby reception systems are strained or migration has been or is being used as a political tool. The latter has been seen previously in Poland.
“At risk” countries may qualify for financial support through the EU’s “toolbox” that was set up as part of the Migration Pact. The Migration Pact will take effect in June.
Meanwhile, countries, such as Cyprius, Greece, Italy and Spain that are experiencing the highest levels of migration pressure will be able to rely on help through the EU’s solidarity mechanism, whereby other member states take in some of their asylum seekers.
However, several northern countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden and Finland, have said that they will only agree to a relocation system once the EU’s Dublin Regulation on migration is more strictly applied.