At the invitation of the Italian Ministry of Interior, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, together with Italian national authorities, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), and Europol, has completed a two-week test of the new EU screening process on the island of Lampedusa. The exercise is part of preparations to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum is a package of laws that sets a common approach to migration and asylum across the EU and Schengen-Associated countries. It is intended to facilitate stronger border management, faster and more effective screening procedures, and a framework for solidarity, while protecting people’s rights. Most measures, including the Screening Regulation, are due to apply from 12 June 2026.The pilot exercise, conducted from 13 to 24 October, evaluated the practical use of the new Screening Toolbox, a set of standardised tools and processes supporting the upcoming Screening Regulation, designed to enter into force across the EU in June 2026. The test focused on applying the system under real operational conditions with 240 people arriving irregularly, improving workflows, and strengthening inter-agency coordination.
“This pilot shows how European cooperation translates into tangible results,” said Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of Frontex. “By preparing together, we make sure that the new EU screening process will enhance border management while safeguarding the fundamental rights of all those arriving at our external borders.”
“By hosting this pilot, Italy once again demonstrated its strong commitment to European cooperation and contributed its expertise to managing the EU’s external borders”, said Vittorio Pisani, Chief of the Italian National Police and General-Director for Public Security.
“It is crucial for the EU Agency for Asylum to test the tools developed under the new Pact before their implementation. The Screening Regulation is a key element of this new approach to effective migration management, and we appreciate the excellent cooperation with Italy, Frontex and Europol.” said Nina Gregori, Executive Director of the EUAA.
Joint Screening Teams from Frontex, EUAA, Europol, and the Italian authorities worked in shifts to assess key steps of the process, ranging from health and vulnerability checks to identification, biometric registration, and security screening. Each person subject to screening was provided with accessible information on the process, including fundamental rights safeguards, the procedure for accessing asylum, and specialised support. The outcomes were recorded and reviewed individually for each person using a dedicated screening form.
The findings will now feed into the final version of the Screening Toolbox, to be shared with all EU Member States and Schengen-Associated Countries in 2026.
