The European Parliament has today adopted a new report evaluating the Dublin system, which decides which EU Member State should assess an asylum claim.
The report, from Green MEP Jean Lambert, finds that the system is failing because there are huge discrepancies in the ways that asylum seekers are treated in different European countries.
The Dublin regulation requires that asylum seekers’ cases are dealt with in the country where they first lodged a claim. For the system to operate fairly asylum seekers must receive similar high quality treatment across the EU, no matter where their claim is processed, but this is not currently happening.
Jean Lambert MEP, the spokesperson on asylum for the Green Group, said:
"The Dublin system, as it currently operates, is not fit for purpose. There are enormous variations between EU Member States when it comes to giving fair examination to – and recognising – claims for protection. This is unjust for the individual and unfair to other Member States. Transfers under the Dublin system to Member States that fail in this respect should be suspended until the situation is rectified.
"Member States that find themselves as primary points of entry to the EU for asylum seekers, such as Malta, must not shoulder an unfair burden. We therefore ask the Commission to bring forward proposals that provide a solution for the Member States and the individuals concerned. Asylum seekers must have the right to consistent decision making, clear information and a full examination of their case. There should also be a broader definition of ‘family’ so that more minors in particular can be reunited with family members.
"Parliament has made clear its concern regarding the potential extension of EURODAC for criminal justice purposes. Only a closed list of agencies and authorities should have access to its data."
The report was adopted by the European Parliament with 609 MEPs voting in favour, 53 against and 15 abstentions.
Notes to editors
The Dublin regulation establishes the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsibility for examining an asylum application.
EURODAC establishes a system for comparing the fingerprints of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants in order to facilitate the application of the Dublin II Regulation. Together the Dublin II regulation and EURODAC constitute the ‘Dublin system’.