Refugee Crisis in the European Union

Abstract

This year has seen an increasing number of people seeking refuge in the European Union. In this Policy Brief we examine the real issues regarding these arrivals, particularly for those coming from across the Mediterranean, and make concrete recommendations to alleviate the problems that both state authorities and refugees are encountering as a result. Recommendations What needs to be done? We propose the following:  The EU, and not merely a few member states, needs to acknowledge that the Dublin system does not work and a new approach is urgently required.  Find alternative tools for refugees to arrive safely in the EU without risking their lives in unseaworthy boats and paying their life savings to smugglers. This will require rethinking the visa requirements and carrier sanctions that ensure safe arrivals. Refugees, along with their possessions and resources, could then make safe, legal journeys and arrive anywhere within the EU.  Ensure member states' first reception obligations are fulfilled, so that refugees are not forced to move to a second or third member state to be able to live in dignity while their asylum applications are processed.  Exclude coercion from all EU mechanisms to allocate asylum seekers to member states. Voluntary mechanisms are the only ones that will work.  Agree on a distribution key to share reception of refugees and determination of their claims in a way that is fair to the refugees and respects their preferences, and fair to member states by ensuring they all play a full part in hosting refugees.  In the longer term, establish an EU Migration, Asylum and Protection Agency (EMAPA) to take responsibility for ensuring coherent and consistent determination of asylum claims across the EU.