Source : Public Policy Exchange
In 2015, more than one million migrants and refugees crossed into Europe. Conflict in Syria, ongoing violence in Iraq and Afghanistan, poverty in Kosovo and abuses in Eritrea led and still lead people via Turkey and Albania to the EU, seeking a better life and new perspectives. Applications for asylum reached enormous numbers with 1,321,560 million, about four times higher than in 2014.
The Common European Asylum System (CEAS) thought to provide common minimum standards for the treatment of all asylum seekers. It also leaves a lot of discretion to Member States resulting in differing treatment of asylum seekers and varying recognition rates amongst EU Member States, though.
Concerning the present refugee crisis this lack of consensus led to a conflict within the EU. Member States have been unable in finding a unified solution how to deal best with resettling people and some countries are taking over more responsibilities than others, struggling to cope with the influx. Highly controversial topics as the Implementation of the EU-Turkey Agreement, as well as harsh EU border controls and negotiations on EU Coast Guards have caused discord. The functioning of the Common European Asylum System at European Union level, however, can only succeed if responsibilities will be shared.
Therefore the Commission has set out steps to be taken towards a more humane, fair and efficient European asylum policy in April 2016, in order to tackle existing weaknesses and inequalities in the existing Asylum Procedures Directive. A first package of legislative proposals was presented by the Commission in May 2016. It is supposed to establish a sustainable and fair Dublin system for determining the MemberState responsible for examining asylum applications, as well as reinforcing the Eurodac system and transforming the European Asylum Support Office ( EASO) into an European Agency for Asylum.
This international Symposium will discuss the current EU Agenda on Asylum. The symposium will examine the implications of current directives and rules for asylum at an EU level and assess the implementation challenges for Member States. It will also offer a platform to discuss the current changes in the Asylum Policy and explore how all stakeholders must contribute to facilitate better cooperation and better protection for asylum seekers.
Why Attend ?
Find out more about the Reform challenges of the Common European Asylum System
Analyse the new European Agenda on Migration
Explore possibilities for increasing cooperation between Member States
Develop best integration practices from innovative projects implemented in Europe
Programme
09:15 Registration and Morning Refreshments
10:00 Chair’s Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:10 Reforming the Common European Asylum System : Discussing the EU Agenda on Asylum
Reforming the Asylum Procedures Directive : Establishing a Regulation to Harmonise a Common EU Procedure
The Dublin System : Creating a Fairer, more Efficient and more Sustainable Procedures
Recommendations for Future Policy Actions
10:40 First Round of Discussions
11:10 Morning Coffee Break
11:30 Creating Harmonised and Dignified Reception Conditions throughout the EU
Reforming the Reception Conditions Directive : Ensuring a Common Minimum Standard of Living
Granting Early Access to the Labour Market : The New Qualification Regulation
Discussing Common Reinforced Guarantees for Unaccompanied Minors and Asylum Seekers with Special Needs
12:00 Second Round of Discussions
12:30 Networking Lunch
13:30 Enhancing the EU Border Control : Striking the Right Balance Between State Security and Migrant Protection
The EURODAC Regulation : Establishing an EU Asylum Fingerprint Database
Reshaping the Frontex Border Agency : Introducing a New EU Border Control System and Coast Guards
The EU Action Plan Against Migrant Smuggling : Achievements and Ways Forward
14:00 Third Round of Discussions
14:30 Afternoon Coffee Break
14:50 Promoting Better Integration Policies and Opportunities for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Social and Labour Market Integration of Refugees and Asylum-seekers : Discussing the Blue Card Initiative
and Alternative Ways to Promote faster Employability and Social Inclusion
Return Initiatives : Sharing Best Practices
Discussing Compulsory Language and Integration Courses
High-wire acts : Discussing Cultural Integration and Mental-Health amongst Asylum Seekers
15:20 Fourth Round of Discussions
15:50 Chair’s Summary and Closing Remarks
16:00 Networking Reception and Refreshments
16:30 Symposium Close
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