EU asylum database malfunctions on migration pact launch

The European Union's central asylum database, Eurodac, experienced technical malfunctions on the day its new migration and asylum pact took effect. The system, crucial for storing biometric data under the new framework, faced issues during a software update. Dutch immigration authorities confirmed the database was not fully operational even before the failure, impacting several member states. An EU spokesperson acknowledged 'technical glitches' as normal for new systems but stated member states were gradually connecting. Many EU countries reportedly lack the infrastructure to implement the pact's new screening procedures, which include mandatory registration for irregular migrants.

The malfunction of the Eurodac database on the launch day of the EU's migration pact highlights potential implementation challenges and technical unpreparedness.