Myths and Mystifications: The European Union and International Protection (on the “refugees' crisis”)

Authors

  • Javier A. González Vega Universidad de Oviedo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18042/cepc/rdce.56.02

Keywords:

Refugees, asylum, international protection, migrations, ECAS, refugee’s crisis.

Abstract

The article discusses the contribution of European Union law to the construction of a system that, beyond the strict limits of the 1951 Geneva Convention, ensures protection for foreigners at risk beyond the concept of a refugee. The main developments of the so-called Common European Asylum System (CEAS) are analyzed by highlighting their achievements —the moderate coordination and enhancement of international protection— and limitations, related to Convention’s disconnection mechanisms. Examination of the latter makes it possible to separate the myths surrounding the operability of refugee law —particularly its complex relationship with the normative sector of human rights— and to clarify the mystifications that tarnish the EU’s history in this area, highlighting —especially in the framework of the socalled “refugees' crisis”— the responsibilities that members States play in defining and applying the protective framework established.

Published

2017-04-28

Issue

Section

STUDIES