The EU Discussions on Extraterritorial Processing: Solution or Conundrum?

摘要

Intense discussions have taken place on extraterritorial processing of asylum claims in the European Union over recent years. Despite extensive political controversy and media interest generated by the debate, it has not yielded any ‘extraterritorial solution’ for Europe's asylum challenges. EU Member States have examined a number of proposals which highlight their interest in the possibility of joint processing arrangements in third countries for asylum claims which would otherwise be the responsibility of Member States. For now, however, these ideas are not supported by the majority of EU states or institutions, nor by UNHCR, and do not include proposals to address the overwhelming legal and practical constraints that stand in their way.