Reforming the European Asylum System and strengthening border management and security

The Commission presents options for a fair and sustainable Common European Asylum System and sets out measures for safe and legal pathways to Europe. It also proposes a new Entry-Exit System at external borders and sets out how to counter hybrid threats.

As part of the implementation of the European Agenda on Migration, the Commission has presented today options for the reform of the Common European Asylum System, which has been severely tested in the current refugee crisis, and measures to ensure safe and well-managed channels for legal migration to Europe.

The reform options for the Common European Asylum system cover five priority areas for:

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  An improved system for allocating asylum applicants among Member States by ensuring a fair share of responsibility;

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  A further harmonisation of asylum procedures to create a level playing field across Europe ;

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  Measures to discourage and sanction irregular secondary movements;

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  A new mandate for the EU's asylum agency (EASO) so that it can play a new policy-implementing role as well as a strengthened operational role.

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  Reinforcing the Eurodac system, facilitating the fight against irregular migration, better retention and sharing of fingerprints, and support to returns.

A centralised European handling of asylum claims might need to be discussed in the longer term, but the Commission does not put this on the table today as an option, as First Vice-President Timmermans explained in the press conference following the College meeting.

At the same time, the Commission is setting out measures to open channels for legal migration to Europe.

Those measures include:

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  A proposal to frame the EU's policy on resettlement by putting in place a horizontal mechanism with common rules for admission and distribution;

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  A reform of the EU Blue Card Directive to strengthen its role as an EU-wide system by developing a harmonised approach, including more flexible admission conditions;

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  Measures to attract and support innovative entrepreneurs;

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  A REFIT evaluation with a view to streamlining and simplifying the existing legal migration rules;

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  Pursuing close cooperation with third countries to ensure a more effective management of migratory flows.

Based on the feedback it receives to today's Communication, the Commission will then come forward with appropriate proposals before the summer. The Commission will also table an EU Action Plan on Integration.

In order to enable the return to a fully functioning Schengen system with a smart and effective management of external borders and while guaranteeing the security of citizens, the Commission has adopted a Communication on Smarter Information Systems for Borders and Security. It addresses the role of information systems in enhancingexternal border management, internal security and the fight against terrorism and organised crime. The Commission has also proposed to establish an Entry-Exit System to speed-up, facilitate and reinforce border-check procedures for non-EU nationals travelling to the EU.

Finally, in order to adapt and increase the EU's capacities as a security provider, the Commission and the High Representative have adopted a joint Framework to strengthen EU's response tohybrid threats while increasing cooperation with NATO on countering these threats that comprise hostile actions designed to destabilise a region or a state.