EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that asylum centers planned for the European external borders would provide “fair living conditions.” According to his remarks to Funke Media Group, these commitments include access to education and medical care. Furthermore, people should be able to gain entry into the labor market after only six months.
The Commission stressed that both the European Union itself and partner organizations like the IOM and UNHCR will ensure that all EU member states uphold “all minimum standards” within their asylum facilities across Europe. Brunner affirmed that the right to asylum remains guaranteed, stating there is “no doubt” about this, and emphasized that all member states must abide by the established legal rules, particularly regarding access to medical services. He added that reducing the duration of asylum procedures for individuals with low chances of protection in the EU also serves to protect the applicants themselves.
The Common European Asylum System (CEAS), decided upon in May 2024 and slated to take effect on June 12th, aims primarily to curb illegal migration into the European Union while accelerating and standardizing asylum procedures. Processes for individuals unlikely to receive residency are intended to be conducted in centers located at the EU’s external borders. Decisions in these cases should be reached within twelve weeks, enabling the prompt return of people from countries where the rate of recognition is below 20 percent. However, various refugee organizations and migration researchers warn that this new reform risks undermining asylum law and potentially violating human rights.
