EU resettlement framework

Resettlement and humanitarian admission enable people in need of international protection to move from a non-EU country where they have sought refuge to an EU member state that grants them protection.

Resettlement is generally carried out on the basis of referrals from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Humanitarian admission may be implemented at the request of an EU member state and can rely on referrals from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), UNHCR, or other relevant international organisations.

In 2016, the European Commission proposed a permanent EU framework for resettlement and humanitarian admission, replacing the ad hoc schemes previously used by member states.

The EU resettlement framework aims to:

• expand safe and legal pathways to the EU for people in need of international protection
• support the long-term management of migration and help reduce irregular arrivals
• establish common EU rules and procedures for resettlement and humanitarian admission
• contribute to international resettlement and humanitarian admission efforts
• support non-EU countries hosting large refugee populations

The framework forms part of the pact on migration and asylum. It was adopted in May 2024 and entered into force on 11 June 2024. One provision linked to the operational rollout of Eurodac became applicable on 12 June 2026.

Key features of the framework

The EU resettlement framework establishes a common approach to resettlement and humanitarian admission across the EU. Building on existing practices, it introduces harmonised definitions, eligibility criteria, admission procedures and grounds for refusing admission.

The framework provides greater consistency and predictability for member states, while strengthening the EU's contribution to international protection efforts.

It also reinforces cooperation with non-EU countries hosting large refugee populations. By providing protection opportunities in the EU, it demonstrates solidarity with partner countries and supports international resettlement and humanitarian admission efforts alongside other global actors.