Explainers

Targeting criminal networks that exploit vulnerable migrants is necessary in order not only to fight migrant smuggling, but also to combat human trafficking.

Revised rules should ensure adequate standards of living and comparable living conditions and help reduce secondary movements for all applicants in all EU member states.

The new framework provides for the adoption of a two-year EU resettlement and humanitarian admission plan to help member states resettle people across the EU.

In crisis situations and exceptional circumstances, member states are authorised to derogate from certain rules and request solidarity and support measures. These are outlined in new rules.

The EU and its member states have taken a number of measures to address the migration situation on the Western Mediterranean and Western African routes.

The EU has adopted various rules to manage legal migration flows, process asylum requests and return people staying illegally in the EU.

The common EU asylum procedure regulation sets out rules to ensure that decisions on applications for international protection are taken fairly and efficiently.

Revised EU rules to harmonise protection standards and rights for asylum seekers across member states help reduce the number of secondary movements.

A new EU asylum agency will increase support to cooperation and solidarity among member states and the EU overall external dimension.