In 2026, Spain will, for the first time, be able to use a new pan-European mechanism that will allow it to redirect some arriving migrants to other European Union countries or receive financial compensation instead. This decision comes as the country has been grappling with record numbers of people crossing its borders illegally for several years.
According to the plan currently being prepared by the European Commission, Spain, along with Italy, Greece and Cyprus, will gain access to a special solidarity fund. This fund is designed to support countries facing the greatest pressures from migration. The core idea of the mechanism is to redistribute at least 30,000 asylum seekers each year among EU member states. If a country refuses to accept migrants, it will have to provide financial compensation or offer alternative forms of assistance.
Last year, compensation was discussed at a rate of up to €22,000 per refused refugee, but no specific figures are being mentioned now. The amount of payments and the overall size of the fund will be determined at a special forum attended by representatives from all participating countries. The total budget is expected to exceed €600 million.
The European Commission has already ranked countries by the level of migration pressure. Spain and three other Mediterranean countries are in the most challenging category. Another 12 countries have been identified as risk zones and will receive priority support. The remaining countries will be able to reduce their contributions to the fund if they can demonstrate they are also under significant strain.
Balancing responsibility and support
EU officials emphasize that the new system should restore trust between member states and strengthen control at the external borders. A key goal is to speed up asylum application processing and organize efficient return procedures for those denied protection. Countries will be able to choose how to share the burden: by accepting people, contributing financially, or providing material assistance.
For Spain, this decision opens the door to easing pressure on infrastructure and social services, as well as gaining additional resources to manage migration flows. At the same time, the mechanism allows flexibility for countries not ready to take in new migrants but willing to support others financially or in other ways.
The new system is expected to change the EU’s approach to migration and help frontline countries better cope with the challenges posed by the influx of people from outside Europe.
