The EU Asylum System

Question 1

What convention defined what a refugee and an asylum seeker is?

Answer 1

The Geneva Refugee Convention (1951).

Question 2

What Treaty provided the EU with the authority to legislate on asylum matter?

Answer 2

The Treaty of Amsterdam (1999).

Question 3

What framework harmonizes the asylum policies across MS?

Answer 3

The Common European Asylum System (CEAS).

Question 4

Which regulations set common standards for processing applications for asylum seekers in the EU?

Answer 4

• The Dublin Regulation (which State?; last version in 2013 Dublin III)
• The EURODAC Regulation (fingerprint system)

Question 5

What does the Reception Condition Directive of 2013 do?

Answer 5

It sets common standards for the living conditions of asylum seekers while they await the decision for their application.

Question 6

What does the Qualification Directive of 2011 do?

Answer 6

It defines who qualifies for international protection either as a refugee or under subsidiary protection (doesn’t qualify as refugee but still faces serious risks in the country of origin).

Question 7

What revisions proposals have been brought since 2013?

Answer 7

• 2016 Revision Proposal by the Commission to replace the “first country of entry” rule
• 2024 Pact on Migration and Asylum: containes 10 legislative proposals to enhance solidarity between MS.