(Voluntary) resettlement schemes remain an EU migration policy element
The Commission has frequently stated that Europe must not be a fortress, but a
continent of solidarity where people in need of protection will receive it.
In line with this statement, the Commission proposed a structured EU resettlement
framework in July 2016. Better coordinated international protection in the EU for
people in need of protection aims to establish regular and secure passageways
into the EU and reduce the incentives for illegal immigration.
The proposal does not provide for a mandatory distribution scheme.
Instead, member states shall participate voluntarily. States that adhere to the planned
rules and resettle third-country nationals according to the (geographical)
priorities stipulated in an annual EU resettlement plan are to receive financial
support from the EU budget, namely EUR 10,000 for each person they resettle.
In principle, the European Parliament backs the proposal, but it has called for
modifications, for example with regard to the resettlement plan (which should be
adopted by the Commission and not by the Council, as in the proposal). In
November 2017, the Council, on the other hand, refused the latter stipulation,
among others.
In September 2017, in advance of the new framework the
Commission recommended a (further) new resettlement scheme for 2018.
Under this scheme the member states have made about 40,000 resettlement
pledges, so far. The Commission’s aim is 50,000.
EU Forecast
euf:ba1.8i:94/nws-01