As COVID-19 spreads with great speed across the world, including in Europe’s neighbouring regions, cross-border and cross-regional population movements are intensifying. In their recently published joint report, UNHCR and IOM estimate that they may further increase due to greater economic uncertainty and political instability resulting from the pandemic. Against this background, this Policy Dialogue focused on challenges and opportunities linked to COVID-19.

Panellists discussed current incidents in the Mediterranean Sea and elsewhere, highlighting shifting routes and the increase in sea arrivals from Africa to Europe, which are likely to continue over the summer of 2020. Vincent Cochetel called for EU-wide solutions to search and rescue and disembarkation. Ola Henrikson emphasised the need for solidarity between EU member states and called for a permanent relocation system. Vincent Cochetel acknowledged the push for establishing a European border procedure, but also drew attention to pending questions regarding compliance with human rights protections.

Catherine Woollard highlighted the suspension of asylum laws during the health crisis and the continued prevalence of anti-asylum measures. She drew attention to the risks of diminished access to asylum and unfair procedures in this context. At the same time, she underlined that digitalisation might make the asylum process more efficient and compatible with health-related precautions. In the light of the ongoing MFF negotiations, panellists also emphasised the need for balanced spending under the Asylum and Migration Fund and the Integrated Border Management Fund to avoid disproportionate funding of border controls and returns. Looking forward, they agreed that three priorities in EU migration and asylum policy should be ensuring access to asylum, expanding resettlement, and achieving better inclusion of all migrants and refugees.