Olga Ferguson Sidorenko, The Common European Asylum System: Background, Current State of Affairs, Future Direction

Abstract

This book purports to analyse and evaluate the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). It sets out to undertake the very ambitious task of examining the background, current state of affairs and future direction of the CEAS, a most timely and pertinent enterprise since the first set of legislative instruments was adopted between 2001 and 2005 and (except for certain procedural measures) the deadline for transposition has already expired. The book is divided into four chapters, preceded by an introduction and followed by concluding remarks. Chapter one contains an overview of some of the relevant treaties that inform the development of the CEAS, including the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees 1951 (Refugee Convention), 1 the Treaty on European Union 2 and the Treaty of Amsterdam. 3 It also contains references to the decision-making process in the field of asylum established by the Treaty of Amsterdam and the powers of the different institutions. Chapter two contains an overview of the different legislative instruments adopted between 2001 and 2005 in the field of asylum, as well as reference to other related instruments, such as those on family reunification and long-term residence. Chapter three explores the actual implications of the CEAS at the national level, examining the way in which one of the Member States, Slovakia, has faced its obligations in this field. Finally, Chapter four contains an overview of the policy instruments that inform the CEAS, notably, European Council conclusions and European Commission communications.