European Commission adopted a Communication launching the process for a reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).
Options for reform cover five priority areas:
- Establishing a fair and sustainable system for determining the allocation of asylum applicants among Member States: potential amendment to the Dublin Regulation[1].
- Achieving greater harmonisation of asylum procedures and standards across the EU and reducing pull factors to particular Member States: a new Regulation to replace the Asylum Procedures Directive[2]; a new Regulation to replace the Qualification Directive[3] and modifications of the Reception Conditions Directive[4] could be considered.
- Preventing secondary movements within the EU: measures to discourage and sanction irregular secondary movements.
- A new mandate for the EU’s asylum agency: potential amendment to the European Asylum Support Office’s mandate to include operating the distribution mechanism under a reformed Dublin System could be proposed.
- Reinforcing the Eurodac system[5]: adapt the Eurodac system and consider expanding its purpose.
The Commission also proposes measures to ensure legal migration routes to Europe and integration policies:-
- A structured resettlement system.
- A reform of the EU Blue Card Directive[6].
- Measures to attract and support innovative entrepreneurs.
- A REFIT evaluation of the existing legal migration rules.
- Pursuing close cooperation with third countries, under the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility (GAMM).
The Commission will also develop an EU Action Plan on Integration.
For further information:
- European Commission Communication: Towards a Reform of the Common European Asylum System and Enhancing Legal Avenues to Europe
- European Commission Press Release: Commission presents options for reforming the Common European Asylum System and developing safe and legal pathways to Europe
- Factsheet: The Dublin System
- Factsheet: The Common European Asylum System
- Factsheet: Legal Migration
[1] Ireland participates in the Dublin Regulation (343/2003) and the Recast Dublin Regulation (604/2013).
[2] Ireland participates in the original Asylum Procedures Directive (2005/85/EC) but choose to not participate in the Recast Asylum Procedures Directive (2013/32/EU).
[3] Ireland participates in the original Qualification Directive (2004/83/EC) but choose to not participate in the Recast Qualification Directive (2011/95/EU).
[4] Ireland did not participate in the original Reception Conditions Directive (2003/9/EC), Ireland also choose to not participate in the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (2013/33/EU).
[5] Ireland participates in the Eurodac Regulation (2275/2000) and Recast Eurodac Regulation (603/2013).
[6] Ireland does not participate in the Blue Card Directive (2009/50/EC).
