After the solidarity-building process that resulted in the Recovery Plan, it would have been politically surprising to see a proposal on migration and asylum follow a different path. After different attempts based on mandatory quotas or coalitions of the willing, the Commission has opted to redesign the whole picture and confront every member state with its (affordable) responsibilities. The Pact builds on present realities, a time when migration pressure and numbers are relatively small, but the topic remains toxic. It is not a quiet moment, but it is less radicalised than one year ago. There is therefore a window of opportunity, as also suggested by President Von der Leyen’s announcement of the end of Dublin. This is obviously only partially true, but the message is important.
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