With the implementation of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, EU migration policy is entering a decisive new phase. Questions of effective implementation, mutual trust, return procedures, fundamental rights, cooperation with third countries, labour migration, integration, and digitalisation are central to current and future policy debates.
Evidence-based policy analysis
The Studio Europa Maastricht–European Policy Centre Policy Brief Collection on New Perspectives on EU Migration brings together evidence-based and policy-relevant analysis by experts from Maastricht University, the European Policy Centre and beyond.
The collection offers critical reflections and concrete recommendations for EU and national policymakers, while contributing to a stronger role for research and evidence in shaping the future of migration governance in Europe.
You can read and download the first two policy briefs below.
Policy Brief #1
Strengthening the Implementation of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum through Soft Enforcement
The legal instruments of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum came into application in June 2026 following a two-year preparation period. Key to the implementation of this legislative reform package is the rise of processes aimed at ensuring compliance without necessarily resorting to coercion or constraint, which we conceptualise as ‘soft enforcement’.
Drawing on the conceptualisation of, and empirical research on, soft enforcement, this Policy Brief examines the potential and limits of soft enforcement. We focus on two key mechanisms. First, steering, understood as the shaping of implementation through guidance, coordination, operational support, and networks. Second, monitoring, referring to the systematic collection and assessment of information on implementation progress and outcomes. The Brief concludes with a set of recommendations to strengthen soft enforcement’s contribution to the rights-compliant implementation of the Pact.
Authors
Pauline El-Khoury (ORCID) – Maastricht University, Emma Pecqueux – Maastricht University, Evangelia (Lilian) Tsourdi (ORCID) – Maastricht University
Keywords
EU Enforcement, Compliance, New Pact on Migration and Asylum, EU Migration Law, EU Migration Policy, Steering, Monitoring, Soft Enforcement
Policy Brief #2
Mutual Recognition of Return Decisions: Quick Fix or Structural Challenge?
On 1 June 2026, the European Parliament and Council reached an agreement on the Regulation establishing a new Common European System for Returns. This reform aims to address the persistent weakness of EU return policy, with only 16-24% of return orders executed of non-EU nationals between 2020-2024.
The agreement introduces stricter rules and seeks greater convergence and effectiveness, with a phased implementation approach. A key innovation is the gradual introduction of mandatory mutual recognition of return decisions, supported by the European Return Order (ERO) in the Schengen Information System. This Policy Brief argues that successful implementation will require stronger convergence of return and asylum frameworks, more effective information-sharing, and meaningful incentives for mutual recognition. It concludes with recommendations to address practical obstacles while respecting fundamental rights.
Author
Virginie Jacob (Senior Adviser European Policy Centre, EPC)
Keywords
Mutual Recognition, EU Migration Policy, Asylum, Return, EU Governance, EU Regulation, Externalisation
