Ambitious plans, difficult implementation

Key Points

• The highest number of refugees worldwide was recorded in 2016 – a rapid decline is not to be expected. For that reason, migration and refugee protection will continue to preoccupy the EU.
• Since the beginning of the migration and refugee crisis, the EU has made considerable progress with short-term crisis management in particular. The creation of the European Border and Coast Guard, hotspots as well as the cooperation with third countries, can be considered as successes.
• The measures adopted over the past few years have bought the EU some time. It is imperative that this time is used now to determine long-term reforms beyond short-term crisis management.
• First and foremost, there is a need for agreement on how to reform the Common European Asylum System. The concerns of the various states must be taken into account. Yet, this does not alter the fact that a binding mechanism for the distribution of asylum seekers is essential.
• The upcoming EU financial framework must provide far more resources for migration policy – in particular also for the control of external borders.