This policy study examines the external dimension of the recently adopted New Pact reforms, specifically the Asylum Procedures Regulation (APR) and the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR). The APR includes reformed provisions on safe country clauses that aim to facilitate returns. As for the AMMR, the reform includes a solidarity mechanism to support member states facing disproportionate responsibilities. Yet, the flexibility of this solidarity mechanism combined with the overall systemic priority of limiting pressure on national reception systems will likely translate into stronger incentives to use funding to contain irregular arrivals.