The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum introduces a comprehensive reform of the European asylum and migration system. It consists of ten legislative instruments applicable across Member States from 12 June 2026, following a two-year transition period. In Belgium, implementation requires amendments to national legislation, including the Aliens Act and relevant implementing regulations.

Main changes announced by the CGRS from 12 June 2026 include:

• Recording of interviews: All personal interviews conducted by the CGRS will be audio recorded as an additional procedural safeguard for applicants for international protection.
   
• Accelerated procedures: The accelerated procedure will be applied on a larger scale, including in cases where the applicant comes from a third country for which the protection rate is 20% or lower.
   
• Subsequent applications: The rules will include “transnational subsequent applications”, covering requests submitted in Belgium after a final decision in another EU Member State.
   
• Withdrawal of applications: The new framework will distinguish between explicit withdrawal by the applicant and implicit withdrawal where an application is considered to have been abandoned under defined conditions.
   
• Safe countries concepts: The Pact introduces a binding EU list of safe countries of origin and expands the application of the safe third country concept under certain conditions.
   
• Age assessment: The CGRS will become responsible for age assessment in cases where there is doubt about whether an applicant is a minor, based on a multidisciplinary approach.

These changes will be integrated into national procedures through legislative amendments and updated operational guidance ahead of their entry into application.

For further information, the CGRS indicates that its website will be updated as of 12 June 2026 with revised procedural guidance and documentation.