EU Asylum Reform Takes Effect Today

The reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), negotiated by member states over several years, takes effect in the European Union on Friday. The changes are intended to speed up decisions on asylum applications and reduce the movement of migrants between EU countries.

The new rules focus in particular on more efficient procedures at the EU’s external borders. People with little chance of being granted asylum will face an accelerated procedure lasting up to 12 weeks. During that time, they can be housed in special reception centers set up mainly in countries at the bloc’s external borders.

The measures are intended to prevent so-called secondary migration, in which applicants move to another member state after registering in one country.

The reform also introduces a solidarity mechanism to help countries facing high numbers of incoming migrants. Support can take the form of financial contributions, material assistance or the transfer of asylum seekers to other member states.

Germany will not have to contribute to the common solidarity fund this year, as it will be credited for the large number of applicants it has admitted who would otherwise have been the responsibility of other countries.

(dpa, bak)