The Pact on Migration and Asylum is a set of new rules managing migration and updating the European Union’s common asylum system. Composed of several pieces of legislation, it aims at updating the EU’s asylum rules to make them more effective, while remaining grounded in European values. To learn more about the different laws underpinning the Pact, visit our Legal Basis page or the European Commission’s dedicated webpage. The Pact enters into application on 12 June 2026.
The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) is providing operational and technical support to EU countries with the implementation of the new rules, as part of the European Commission’s Common Implementation Plan (CIP).
On this page, you can learn more about the Agency’s products aimed at helping with implementation. Our Pact-related Practical Guides and Tools are organised by thematic area of work, now all referenced on one central location. Information about specialised training on the Pact offered by the EUAA Academy, and available to Member States, is available in the European Asylum Curriculum. Existing training modules are also being progressively updated to comply with the new legislation.
This page will continue to be updated as new products are developed within the framework of the new rules.
EUAA's Pact Resources
Practical Guide on the Asylum Border Procedure
This practical guide supports the determining authorities in setting up and managing the asylum border procedure.
Practical Guide on Free Legal Counselling
This practical guide seeks to provide guidance for the design of national systems of free legal counselling, within the framework of the CEAS.
Practical guide on the registration and lodging of applications for international protection
This practical guide assists officers in their daily work to register applications for international protection and to support officers responsible for the lodging of applications. The guide does not cover registration and lodging conducted within the asylum border procedure.
Practical Guide on the Audio Recording of Personal Interviews
This guide provides practical guidance for administrations of Member States on how to set up a fit-for-purpose process and system for the audio recording of personal interviews, that includes necessary safeguards and ensures adequate management of the audio file.
Operational Standards and Indicators on the Asylum Procedure
This is a practical tool to support Member States achieve fair and effective asylum procedures and strengthen the CEAS at an operational level. It is complemented by the Operational Standards and Indicators on Vulnerability-related Aspects in the Asylum Procedure.
Operational Standards and Indicators on Vulnerability-related Aspects in the Asylum Procedure
This is a practical tool complementing the Operational Standards and Indicators on the Asylum Procedure with vulnerability-related standards and indicators and a theoretical introduction to vulnerability. It aims to support Member States achieve fair and effective asylum procedures and strengthen the CEAS at an operational level for applicants in a vulnerable situation.
Training Modules
This training guides the learner through the asylum procedures, presenting the new and revised provisions with a focus on the Asylum Procedures Regulation (APR). The training highlights aspects such as the basic principles and guarantees and the administrative procedure from the screening and access until a decision is notified to the applicant for international protection, including special procedures and the safe country concepts.
The aim of this module is to provide asylum and reception officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to communicate effectively through an interpreter. It also aims to offer tips and follow-up actions to address potential breaches of conduct by the interpreter.
This module focuses on the criteria for selecting an interpreter, the skills needed to communicate through an interpreter and how to handle challenging situations when communicating through an interpreter. It also addresses the interpreter’s code of conduct and gives tips on how to address possible breaches of conduct by the interpreter.
This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for the screening of third-country nationals and stateless persons under the Screening Regulation in connection with the aspects relevant to access to international protection in line with the EU asylum acquis and Fundamental rights, while taking into account the special and specific needs of vulnerable persons during the screening process.
This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify persons who may make an application for international protection to ensure access to the asylum procedure in compliance with Fundamental rights. This includes providing information to potential applicants. The training refers to the toolkit on access to the asylum procedure that was jointly developed by the EUAA and Frontex, in close collaboration with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and UNHCR.
The aim of this module is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to process the registration and lodging of an application for international protection in line with the EU asylum acquis and fundamental rights, while taking into account the special needs of vulnerable persons.
This module focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to process the registration and lodging of applications for international protection in line with EU asylum law and Fundamental rights, while addressing the needs of vulnerable persons. It covers the legal framework, procedural steps, and communication during registration, along with specific considerations for applicants with special needs, including children and vulnerable groups. The module also emphasizes ensuring procedural safeguards and adapting the registration process for vulnerable applicants, offering formative assessments based on case studies to mirror the tasks required in the summative assessment.
Practical Guide on Subsequent Applications
This practical guide supports Member States in the assessment of subsequent applications providing guidance on the registration and examination processes as well as on the special procedural rules.
Practical Guide on Membership of a Particular Social Group
This practical guide provides assistance in applying the reason for persecution of membership of particular social group. It offers a common approach and a common language for the practical application of the concept of a particular social group in the context of the common European asylum system.
Training Modules
The aim of this module is to enable learners to determine whether an applicant qualifies for international protection according to the Qualification Regulation (QR). The module focuses on complex cases that require the interpretation of selected elements of both the refugee and the subsidiary protection definition, reflecting on EU and international case law.
This module focuses on determining whether an applicant qualifies for international protection under the Qualification Regulation (QR), emphasizing complex cases requiring interpretation of refugee and subsidiary protection definitions based on EU and international case law. It addresses acts of persecution, reasons for persecution, serious harm under subsidiary protection, and protection from persecution or harm, as well as legal requisites, key articles of the QR, and case law.
The training aims to provide learners with knowledge and skills to be able to recognise and correctly qualify as acts of persecution instances of severe human exploitation such as slavery, servitude and forced labour in asylum procedures.
The training aims to provide learners with knowledge and skills to be able to recognise statelessness as a multiple faces human rights violation, understanding the legal concept of statelessness why it is relevant in the context of international protection. The training will then focus on stateless-specific forms of persecution.
The aim of this module is to provide asylum officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the refugee and subsidiary protection criteria in standard cases to determine whether an applicant is in need of international protection.
This module focuses on the competencies required to carry out the tasks of asylum officers by analysing all the requisites of refugee status and their application in accordance with the 1951 Refugee Convention and the qualification directive, along with all the requisites laid down in the qualification directive for subsidiary protection status. The module reflects EU and international case-law and focuses on cases that do not rely on complex interpretation of the elements of both definitions.
The aim of this module is to prepare asylum officials to conduct a personal asylum interview using the asylum interview method to gather sufficient, relevant and reliable information to assess an application.
This module focuses on the asylum interview method – the structured interview protocol put forward by EUAA that is based on research relating to structured interview protocols in other domains, such as psychology, law and social studies. This module adapts these protocols to the specific characteristics of the personal interview and the asylum procedure. The focus is on the five stages of the EUAA Asylum Interview Method (prepare; open; free narrative; explore; and closing) and how to manage the psychological, cultural and environmental factors that may influence the interview process. The module reflects the requirements set out in the Qualification Directive and focuses on cases that do not rely on complex applications of interviewing skills.
Operational standards and indicators on the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation
These operational standards and indicators support Member States in the implementation of the Asylum and Migration Management regulation.
Practical Guide on the Solidarity Mechanism
This guide is intended to support the practical implementation of the AMMR solidarity mechanism specifically in relation to the operational implementation of relocation.
Guidance on Remote Interviews
Guidance on remote interviews in the context of the asylum procedure regulation and asylum and migration management regulation.
Training Modules
The training aims to provide learners with knowledge on the highlights of the new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR), which replaces the Dublin Regulation. More specifically, it enables learners to identify the changes introduced to the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection and the main elements of the newly established solidarity mechanism.
Access to the asylum procedure – Toolkit
This toolkit on access to the asylum procedure was jointly developed by EUAA and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
The toolkit is intended to support the identification of third-country nationals and stateless persons who may wish to apply for international protection.
The toolkit includes:
Training Modules
The aim of this module is to provide asylum and reception practitioners with the necessary set of soft skills to ensure effective interpersonal communication.
This module focuses on the core principles of communication theory and questioning techniques in intercultural asylum contexts. It also deals with the principles of interpersonal communication, the impact of non-verbal communication and the most effective types of questions to elicit information. The module describes how cultural diversity can impact the communication process and introduces techniques that lower the risk of miscommunication in a multicultural environment.
Guidelines on Alternatives to Detention
The guide contains guidelines on defining, establishing, deciding, implementing, reviewing and ending alternatives to detention, with specific considerations regarding their applicability in the context of a border procedure.
Practical Guide on the Management of a Reception Centre
This practical guide supports national administrations in implementing key aspects related to the management and organisation of collective reception centres, with a focus on the initial phase of reception (i.e. arrival in reception) and the link with procedural aspects.
Training Modules
This training provides learners with knowledge on provisions of the new recast Reception Conditions Directive. It focuses on main changes introduced by the Directive related to aspects such as material reception conditions, organisation of reception systems, detention, specific reception needs, early integration measures and contingency planning.
The aim of this module is to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the reception process and the role of reception officers in supporting asylum applicants.
This module focuses on the reception process in theory and practice. It covers the phases of reception, rights and obligations of asylum applicants and authorities, reception systems in the EU, and key stakeholders. It also address the practical support provided by reception officers, including logistical and financial assistance, information provision, and information-sharing protocols.
The aim of this module is to provide the necessary knowledge to recognise the signs of tension and the skills to de-escalate and resolve conflict situations, and use preventive measures in the context of reception.
This module focuses on conflict management in reception settings, covering key concepts such as the nature of conflict, how conflicts arise, preventive measures, signs of tension, escalation, de-escalation techniques, and handling the aftermath of conflict. Learners engage with the content through reflection exercises, case studies, and interactive activities, all the while exploring conflict management through group discussions, role plays, and plenary sessions to develop practical skills for managing and preventing conflicts.
The aim of this module is to provide learners with knowledge and skills to recognise indicators of vulnerability in reception settings, report on them objectively and initiate support for the applicants with specific or special reception needs by allocating appropriate accommodation, by meeting information needs of vulnerable applicants and by providing the support in situations of distress.
The module focuses on recognising vulnerability in reception contexts and addresses special reception needs. Learners learn to explore vulnerability indicators, biases, resilience, and initial support strategies like Psychological First Aid (PFA) and facility allocation. They also practice drafting objective reports and adapting information provision, while engaging in discussions, role plays, and case studies to apply their knowledge, practicing distress reduction, support interventions, and effective communication for vulnerable persons.
The aim of this module is to equip reception officers with an understanding of how vulnerabilities influence reception needs.
This module focuses on comprehensive understanding of the unique vulnerabilities that applicants for international protection may face or be exposed to. By exploring these vulnerabilities, participants will gain insight into how they can affect an individual's reception needs, such as accommodation, healthcare, or access to specialized support services. The module will guide officials through the process of assessing special reception needs with sensitivity and accuracy. Ultimately, it will prepare them to create, tailor, and periodically review personalized reception plans, ensuring that the support provided aligns with each applicant's specific circumstances and evolving requirements.
Practical guide on the best interests of the child in the framework of international protection
This practical guide supports competent Member State authorities in applying the principle of the best interests of the child and enhancing the guarantees within the asylum procedure and reception systems under the CEAS.
Guidance on Mental Health and Well-being of Applicants for International Protection: Part I – for senior management
This part provides guidance to national authorities on how to set the framework to shape an asylum system informed by mental health and well-being considerations. This is the first of three standalone but complementary and interlinked parts.
Guidance on Mental Health and Well-being of Applicants for International Protection: Part II – for those working in the first line
This part provides guidance to those working in the first-line on how to implement mental health and psychosocial support. This is the second of three standalone but complementary and interlinked parts.
Guidance on Mental Health and Well-being of Applicants for International Protection: Part III – Toolbox to support those working in the first line
This part provides guidance to those working in the first line and is a toolbox to support the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support. This is the third of three standalone but complementary and interlinked parts.
Practical Guide on applicants with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics
This Guide provides practical guidance to reception and asylum staff on how to identify, consider and address the specific needs of LGBTIQ applicants, and on the examination of SOGIESC-based asylum claims. Additionally, it supports the decision making of policy makers and managers of asylum and reception authorities.
The Guide is composed of three standalone yet complementary and interlinked parts:
- Cross-cutting elements
- Examination Procedure
- Reception
The Guide is also complemented by an Information Note which intends to help professionals working in the field of asylum in enhancing their awareness and skills regarding key terms and concepts relating to SOGIESC.
Practical Guide on Family Tracing – Part I
The Practical Guide on Family Tracing – 2nd edition supports EU+ countries in fulfilling their obligations to trace family members of unaccompanied children, in line with their best interests. It reflects the updated legal framework under the Pact on Migration and Asylum, including Article 22 of the asylum and migration management regulation, and aims to align existing practices with new standards.
This part provides comprehensive guidance on tracing family members — both within the EU+ and in third countries — for adult and child asylum seekers, without covering the decision-making process itself.
Practical Guide on Family Tracing – Part II
The Practical Guide on Family Tracing – 2nd edition supports EU+ countries in fulfilling their obligations to trace family members of unaccompanied children, in line with their best interests. It reflects the updated legal framework under the Pact on Migration and Asylum, including Article 22 of the asylum and migration management regulation, and aims to align existing practices with new standards.
This part supports case officers in the prioritisation of family cases under the asylum and migration management regulation to trace and identify family members of an applicant in the EU+ countries.
Practical Guide on Age Assessment
The Practical Guide on Age Assessment provides comprehensive guidance to support authorities and professionals involved in assessing the age of applicants for international protection when there is uncertainty regarding their claimed age. This guide is primarily intended for personnel tasked with requesting and performing the age assessment procedure when there are substantiated doubts about the age of an applicant for international protection.
Age Assessment Practices in EU+ Countries
The report maps age assessment practices, methods, safeguards and roles in the EU+ in 2025. It also covers planned or ongoing adjustments in view of Pact implementation and identifies trends and promising practices that could inform peer learning and replication.
Training Modules
While the need to identify, assess and address vulnerability and special needs of applicants for international protection was recognised by the different instruments of the Common European Asylum System, the adoption of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum brings numerous changes that are relevant from the perspective of access to procedures, safeguards, rights and obligations, as well as reception arrangements provided to vulnerable persons, including children. This training aims to provide an overview of the main provisions around vulnerability, as captured across the different instruments of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum.
This module aims to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify elements of gender-based violence in asylum contexts and understand the potential needs of the victims of gender-based violence in asylum contexts to respond to those needs. The term ‘gender-based’ emphasizes that this violence, often rooted in power imbalances between women and men, affects both genders but disproportionately impacts women.
The module focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to identify gender-based violence in asylum contexts and understand the needs of its victims. It explores the concept of gender, societal norms, and power dynamics that contribute to such violence, emphasizing its disproportionate impact on women. Divided into four submodules, it covers gender norms, the causes and consequences of gender-based violence, legal frameworks, and best practices for responding to victims. The face-to-face session reinforces learning through practical exercises and experience sharing among participants.
The aim of this module is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge of the potential challenges faced by applicants with claims for international protection based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC). After completing the module, learners will be able to analyse the potential needs and adopt a sensitive approach when dealing with applicants with diverse SOGIESC in the whole asylum process.
This module focuses on the potential needs of applicants with diverse SOGIESC and adoption of a sensitive approach. It outlines the main terms and definitions related to the constantly evolving terminology, explores the international and EU legal framework that protects applicants with diverse SOGIESC by focusing on the identification and analysis of the special procedural guarantees and special reception needs, and presents the knowledge and skills needed to create communication which is inclusive, safe and open by exploring the core considerations of working effectively with applicants with diverse SOGIESC in asylum contexts.
The aim of this module is to provide asylum and reception workers with the necessary knowledge and skills for the early identification of applicants for international protection who may be vulnerable and may have special needs to be addressed.
This module focuses on the concept of vulnerability in the asylum context and the main categories of potentially vulnerable applicants for international protection in line with the EU legal framework. It also addresses the most common indicators of special needs of applicants for international protection, how to identify these needs and the consequences of not identifying them.
The aim of this training is to prepare the asylum and reception officers to address the rights and needs of the child in light of the child-specific vulnerabilities in the asylum process. It will also prepare them to assess the child’s level of understanding of the situation in order to communicate with the child effectively and facilitate his or her participation in the asylum process while giving primary consideration to the child’s best interests.
Training Modules
The aim of this module is to provide learners with knowledge related to resettlement and humanitarian admission, the phases of resettlement and humanitarian admission process, and applicable provisions according to EU and international law. The module prepares learners to participate in resettlement and humanitarian admission related activities.
This module addresses the key aspects of resettlement and humanitarian admission, covering its purpose, beneficiaries, and historical background, along with relevant international and EU legislation. It consists of two sub-modules: the first explores the fundamentals of resettlement and humanitarian admission, including global commitments and EU Member State practices, while the second outlines the process phase by phase, detailing key activities, stakeholder roles, and responsibilities. Through practical examples and interactive learning, the module equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of the resettlement framework and its implementation.
The aim of this module is to provide learners with the knowledge of legal avenues, additional and complementary to resettlement, drawing on good practices implemented on a European and global level. It will enable learners to identify the key components and processes of these different avenues and prepare them to participate in activities related to the use of complementary pathways.
This module addresses the concept of complementary pathways, their objectives, and their relationship with resettlement. It explores key benefits, relevant international and EU policies, and essential protection principles. Learners will gain insight into potential challenges and best practices in implementation. Additionally, the module outlines the main types of complementary pathways, including those based on humanitarian needs, family reunification, work, education, and sponsorship, while providing practical examples from the EU+ countries and beyond.
This training aims to provide learners with knowledge on the main components for the implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities of resettlement and humanitarian admission programmes. More specifically, the learners will gain knowledge on the concept, benefits, processes, and tools related to monitoring and evaluation. They will also gain understanding on how monitoring and evaluation can be applied to resettlement and/or humanitarian admission programmes and be able to identify the necessary components of a fit-to-purpose monitoring and evaluation framework.
The aim of this module is to prepare the learner to perform logistic and case related activities which are necessary to prepare, implement and finalize a selection mission. The module also provides knowledge on the selection phase as one of the key phases in resettlement and humanitarian admission process, applicable EU legislation and different section methods which can be applied by EU Member States.
This module addresses the key aspects of selection missions through a blended learning approach. The asynchronous component consists of three sub-modules covering mission preparation, implementation and post-selection activities, with learners practicing various operational resettlement tools. It builds on this foundation, providing deeper exploration of key topics such as mission team creation, handling unexpected situations, conducting a selection interview, briefings with stakeholders and refugees , decision-making and the Union Resettlement Framework Regulation. Interactive activities like case scenario analysis, group discussions, and role-playing ensure practical application of learning outcomes.
Training Module
This module aims to provide learners with basic knowledge on the key legal provisions related to international protection in the European Union, according to international and EU legislation and of the core fundamental rights in the context of access to asylum procedure, namely non-refoulement and right to asylum.
The module also provides a general overview of the pillars of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), as modified by the Pact on Migration and Asylum, with a focus on the key definitions and the main steps of the asylum process.