In 2025, the National Ombudsman and the Children’s Ombudsman launched an investigation into what the pact means for asylum seekers, families, and unaccompanied minor foreigners (UMFs). The investigation consists of two parts. In the first phase, we examined how the Netherlands is implementing the pact. In the second phase, we will monitor how the pact works in practice.
The results of the first phase are presented in this publication. It places the pact within the context of 75 years of refugee protection. We then explain why cooperation between ombuds institutions in Europe is essential. After that, we provide an overview of what the pact means for the Netherlands and which topics we will monitor closely. In the coming period, we will pay particular attention to: the situation in reception facilities, the support provided during the asylum procedure, the position of children (such as possible detention of children and age assessment procedures), and developments concerning the Return Directive and return hubs.
Cooperation with other European ombuds institutions is important. That is why the National Ombudsman has recently organised meetings with ombuds institutions from various EU countries to discuss the pact. On 9 and 10 June 2026, just before the pact enters into force, a meeting will take place in Rotterdam. There, we will speak with ombuds institutions from EU member states and neighbouring countries about the pact and the role of ombuds institutions. This meeting also marks the start of a working group within the European region of the International Ombudsman Institute. This working group will address migration in a broad sense.
The description of the topics and developments includes relevant information as it was known on 27 May 2026. Any developments that occurred after that date have not been included in this position paper.