Refugee Crisis in Focus: Towards Better Cooperation between Europe's National Governments

Abstract

This In Focus argues that without cooperation between the EU member states, the situation of the current refugee crisis is not going to improve. The EU's dysfunctional asylum system, which is based on 28 national systems, needs to be reformed, including by allowing asylum applications in the countries of origin. Member states need to start supplying Frontex with personnel and equipment to better protect the border. The EU also needs a new deal between host countries and newcomers on the refugees’ integration into European societies.

Footnotes

Vít Novotný is senior research officer at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies. He focuses on immigration and asylum, new societal challenges, and ethics and religion.