The Valletta Summit on Migration, held in November 2015, brought European and African leaders together to discuss the “European migration crisis” and address the “root causes”. Jonathan Raa/Press Association. All rights reserved. In 2015, more than one million refugees and migrants undertook dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean sea in search of safety. While this figure was exceptional, it needs to be put into perspective. That same year, according to UNHCR figures, 65.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide. 86 per cent of the refugees under UNHCR’s mandate were hosted in low- and middle-income countries close to situations of conflict. That same year, according to UNHCR figures, 65.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide.
Despite the fact that only a minority of those fleeing their homes came to the EU, the member states’ capacity and the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) were severely tested. Many EU member states proved to be insufficiently prepared. The Dublin system faltered. Gaps in the implementation of the other CEAS instruments became apparent. This situation contributed to secondary onward movements within the EU. Despite attempts to address the situation in a concerted manner, many EU member states took unilateral measures. Those measures were predominantly restrictive.
In an attempt to address the situation in a concerted manner, in the course of 2015 and 2016, the European Commission released proposals to recast CEAS instruments. Considering the need for a revitalized CEAS, UNHCR welcomed the launch of the reform process and, in particular, the Commission’s aim of further harmonizing the CEAS. The remaining differences in the quality of asylum practices, reception conditions and integration-related measures are all shortcomings that need to be addressed urgently. However, in UNHCR’s views, aspects of the Commission’s proposals do not go far enough.
