Addressing the refugee crisis in Europe: The role of EU External Action

The European Union is facing the largest refugee crisis since the end of World War II. The current situation has to be seen in a broader context of violent conflict and destabilisation in other parts of the world. It is a crisis of unprecedented magnitude that largely originates from conflicts and persecutions in Europe’s wider neighbourhood. The violent conflicts in Syria and Iraq or instability and poverty in parts of Africa have forced millions of women, men and children to flee their homeland in search of protection and a decent life, including to the European Union.

Over the last months, EU institutions have mobilised all their efforts to respond to this global crisis. The European Council and the Commission, notably through the European Agenda on Migration, have developed the main elements of the European response to migratory challenges both internally and internationally.

The first priority remains saving the lives of those attempting to cross the Mediterranean in their path towards Europe. But, clearly, protecting people in need, deploying urgent humanitarian assistance, securing access to asylum, and addressing root causes, in particular conflict, political violence, abuse of human rights and poverty, is essential. These objectives must remain at the heart of the European Union’s response.

The present Communication – part of a broader package of proposals adopted by the European Commission – describes the external action by the European Union to address the refugee crisis. It builds upon a solid structure of international engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels in this field based notably on the 2011 Global Approach to Migration and Mobility.

ESO: Background information: Refugee Crisis: European Commission takes decisive action http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-refugee-crisis-european-commission-takes-decisive-action/

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