Migration pressure refers to situations where a country receives more migrants or asylum seekers than normal, making it harder for local systems (such as housing, healthcare, and education) to cope. When the European Union calls a country "at risk", it means the country could soon face challenges in managing large numbers of new arrivals if current trends continue.
Findings From the EU Report
The European Commission has named the Netherlands as one of several countries "at risk" for migration pressure in its annual asylum and migration report. This report covers migration into the EU from July 2024 to June 2025 and includes Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, and Poland in the same category. Most countries on this list face high numbers of migrants, strained refugee centres, or have a history of difficulties managing migration. Other EU members like Greece, Cyprus, Italy, and Spain face even higher pressures due to arrivals at their sea borders and will receive extra support from the EU’s migration solidarity pool starting in mid-2026.
Why Is the Netherlands on the List?
Several factors led to the Netherlands’ classification as "at risk":
The number of asylum applications received
The capacity of local reception centres and support services
The size of the population and the country’s economic situation
The risk that migration may be used as a political tool by other countries
Although illegal border crossings have dropped by 35% across the EU, the Netherlands continues to face steady numbers of new arrivals that put pressure on migrant centers and local services.
Photo Credits: Dušan Cvetanović/Pexels
Implications and Support
Being listed as "at risk" gives the Netherlands priority access to additional EU operational and financial assistance. This support may include funding for expanding accommodations, faster processing systems, and help with relocating some migrants to other member states when local systems become overloaded.
The EU Migration Pact, effective since June 2024, provides new rules and support funds aimed at managing migration fairly within the Union. These measures help prevent some countries from being overwhelmed while others take in fewer migrants.
The Dutch government must work closely with the EU to maintain effective reception centres and ensure newcomers have access to housing, healthcare, and education. The report recommends ongoing monitoring of migration flows and flexible strategies to adapt and reduce strain on local systems.
Implications for the Netherlands
The “at risk” status signals that the Netherlands will likely see increasing migrant numbers, challenging existing reception facilities, housing markets, and public services. Strains in these sectors require careful planning and investment to meet the needs of new arrivals.
Priority EU assistance under the migration solidarity mechanism offers critical support but increases expectations for the Netherlands to enforce stricter border controls, speed up asylum procedures, and participate fully in relocation programs designed to distribute asylum seekers more evenly among member states.
Socially and economically, migration pressure presents complex challenges. While migrants enrich the labor market and contribute economically, overwhelmed systems can heighten political debates and social tensions. The country must balance its humanitarian obligations with public concerns and capacity limitations.
Effective cooperation between national authorities, municipalities, NGOs, and the EU will be essential. Expanding infrastructure, improving integration programs, and fostering public understanding are crucial to managing migration pressure sustainably.
