XXX [Asylum and Migration Fund] - Main contents

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dossier	COM(2020)610 - Asylum and migration management and amending Council Directive (EC) 2003/109 and the proposed Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX ...
document	COM(2020)610
date	September 23, 2020

(1) The Union, in constituting an area of freedom, security and justice, should ensure the absence of internal border controls for persons and frame a common policy on asylum, immigration and management of the external borders of the Union, based on solidarity between Member States, which is fair towards third-country nationals.

(2) To this end, a comprehensive approach is required with the objective of reinforcing mutual trust between Member States which should bring together policy in the areas of asylum and migration management and towards relations with relevant third countries, recognising that the effectiveness of such an approach depends on all components being jointly addressed and in an integrated manner.

(3) This Regulation should contribute to that comprehensive approach by setting out a common framework for the actions of the Union and of the Member States in the field of asylum and migration management policies, by elaborating on the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility in accordance with Article 80 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Member States should therefore take all necessary measures, inter alia, to provide access to international protection and adequate reception conditions to those in need, to enable the effective application of the rules on determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection, to return illegally staying third-country nationals, to

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prevent irregular migration and unauthorised movements between them, and to provide support to other Member States in the form of solidarity contributions, as their contribution to the comprehensive approach.

(4) The common framework should bring together the management of the Common European Asylum System and that of migration policy. The objective of migration policy should be to ensure the efficient management of migration flows, the fair treatment of third-country nationals residing legally in Member States and the prevention of, and enhanced measures to combat, illegal migration and migrant smuggling.

(5) The common framework is needed in order to effectively address the increasing phenomenon of mixed arrivals of persons in need of international protection and those who are not and in recognition that the challenge of irregular arrivals of migrants in the Union should not have to be assumed by individual Member States alone, but by the Union as a whole. To ensure that Member States have the necessary tools to effectively manage this challenge in addition to applicants for international protection, irregular migrants should also fall within the scope of this Regulation. The scope of this Regulation should also include beneficiaries of international protection, resettled or admitted persons as well as persons granted immediate protection.

(6) In order to reflect the whole of government approach and ensure coherence and effectiveness of the actions and measures taken by the Union and its Member States acting within their respective competencies, there is a need for integrated policy-making in the field of asylum and migration management, including both its internal and external components, which is part of the comprehensive approach.

(7) Member States should have sufficient human and financial resources and infrastructure to effectively implement asylum and migration management policies and should ensure appropriate coordination between the relevant national authorities as well as with the national authorities of the other Member States.

(8) Taking a strategic approach, the Commission should adopt a European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy on the implementation of asylum and migration management policies. The Strategy should be based on relevant reports and analyses produced by Union agencies and on the national strategies of the Member States.

(9) National strategies of the Member States should include information on contingency planning and on the implementation of the principles of integrated policy-making and of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility of this Regulation and legal obligations stemming therefrom at national level.

(10) In order to ensure that an effective monitoring system is in place to ensure the application of the asylum acquis, the results of the monitoring undertaken by the European Union Asylum Agency and Frontex, of the evaluation carried out in accordance with Council Regulation No 1053/2013 as well as those carried out in line with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Screening Regulation] should also be taken into account in these strategies.

(11) Bearing in mind the importance of ensuring that the Union is prepared and able to adjust to the developing and evolving realities of asylum and migration management, the Commission should annually adopt a Migration Management Report setting out the likely evolution of the migratory situation and the preparedness of the Union and the Member States to respond and adapt to it. The Report should also include the

results of the reporting on monitoring foreseen in the national strategies and should propose improvements where weaknesses are apparent.

(12) In order to ensure that the necessary tools are in place to assist Member States in dealing with challenges that may arise due to the presence on their territory of third-country nationals that are vulnerable applicants for international protection, regardless of how they crossed the external borders, the Report should also indicate whether the said Member States are faced with such challenges. Those Member States should also be able to rely on the use of the ‘solidarity pool’ for the relocation of vulnerable persons.

(13) For the effective implementation of the common framework and to identify gaps, address challenges and prevent the building up of migratory pressure, the Commission should monitor and regularly report on the migratory situation.

(14) An effective return policy is an essential element of a well-functioning system of Union asylum and migration management, whereby those who do not have the right to stay on Union territory should return. Given that a significant share of applications for international protection may be considered unfounded, it is necessary to reinforce the effectiveness of the return policy. By increasing the efficiency of returns and reducing the gaps between asylum and return procedures, the pressure on the asylum system would decrease, facilitating the application of the rules on determining the Member State responsible for examining those applications as well as contributing to effective access to international protection for those in need.

(15) To strengthen cooperation with third countries in the area of return and readmission of illegally staying third-country nationals, it is necessary to develop a new mechanism, including all relevant EU policies and tools, to improve the coordination of the different actions in various policy areas other than migration that the Union and the Member States may take for that purpose. That mechanism should build on the analysis carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 810/2019 of the European Parliament and of the Council³⁸ or of any other information available, and take into account the Union’s overall relations with the third country. That mechanism should also serve to support the implementation of return sponsorship.

(16) In order to ensure a fair sharing of responsibility and a balance of effort between Member States, a solidarity mechanism should be established which is effective and ensures that applicants have swift access to the procedures for granting international protection. Such a mechanism should provide for different types of solidarity measures and should be flexible and able to adapt to the evolving nature of the migratory challenges facing a Member State.

(17) Given the need to ensure the smooth functioning of the solidarity mechanism established in this Regulation, a Solidarity Forum comprising the representatives of all Member States should be established and convened by the Commission.

(18) Given the specific characteristics of disembarkations arising in the context of search and rescue operations conducted by Member States or private organisations whether under instruction from Member States or autonomously in the context of migration, this Regulation should provide for a specific process applicable to people disembarked

Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code), OJ L 243, 15.9.2009, p. 1.

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following those operations irrespective of whether there is a situation of migratory pressure.

(19) Given the recurring nature of disembarkations from search and rescue operations on the different migratory routes, the annual Migration Management Report should set out the short-term projections of disembarkations anticipated for such operations and the solidarity response that would be required to contribute to the needs of the Member States of disembarkation. The Commission should adopt an implementing act establishing a pool of solidarity measures (‘the solidarity pool’) with the aim of assisting the Member State of disembarkation to address the challenges of such disembarkations. Such measures should comprise applicants for international protection that are not in the border procedure or measures in the field of strengthening of capacity in the field of asylum, reception and return, or operational support, or measures in the external dimension.

(20) In order to provide a timely response to the specific situation following disembarkations from search and rescue operations, the Commission, with the assistance of Union Agencies, should facilitate the swift relocation of eligible applicants for international protection who are not in the border procedure. Under the coordination of the Commission, the European Union Asylum Agency and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency should draw up the list of eligible persons to be relocated indicating the distribution of those persons among the contributing Member States.

(21) Persons disembarked should be distributed in a proportionate manner among the Member States.

(22) The overall contribution of each Member State to the solidarity pool should be determined through indications by Member States of the measures by which they wish to contribute. Where Member States contributions are insufficient to provide for a sustainable solidarity response the Commission should be empowered to adopt an implementing act setting out the total number of third-country nationals to be covered by relocation and the share of this number for each Member State calculated according to a distribution key based on the population and the GDP of each Member State. Where the indications from Member States to take measures in the field of capacity or the external dimension would lead to a shortfall of greater than 30% of the total number of relocations identified in the Migration Management Report, the Commission should be able to adjust the contributions of these Member States which should then contribute half of their share identified according to the distribution key either by way or relocation, or when so indicated, through return sponsorship.

(23) In order to ensure that support measures are available at all times to address the specific situation of disembarkations from search and rescue operations, where the number of disembarkations following search and rescue operation have reached 80% of the solidarity pools for one or more of the benefitting Member States, the Commission should adopt amended implementing acts increasing the total number of contributions by 50%.

(24) The solidarity mechanism should also address situations of migratory pressure in particular for those Member States which due to their geographical location are exposed to or likely to be exposed to migratory pressure. For this purpose, the Commission should adopt a report identifying whether a Member State is under migratory pressure and setting out the measures that could support that Member State in addressing the situation of migratory pressure.

(25) When assessing whether a Member State is under migratory pressure the Commission, based on a broad qualitative assessment, should take account of a broad range of factors, including the number of asylum applicants, irregular border crossings, return decisions issued and enforced, and relations with relevant third countries. The solidarity response should be designed on a case-by-case basis in order to be tailor-made to the needs of the Member State in question.

(26) Only persons who are more likely to have a right to stay in the Union should be relocated. Therefore, the scope of relocation of applicants for international protection should be limited to those who are not subject to the border procedure set out in Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation].

(27) The solidarity mechanism should include measures to promote a fair sharing of responsibility and a balance of effort between Member States also in the area of return. Through return sponsorship, a Member State should commit to support a Member State under migratory pressure in carrying out the necessary activities to return illegally staying third-country nationals, bearing in mind that the benefitting Member State remains responsible for carrying out the return while the individuals are present on its territory. Where such activities have been unsuccessful after a period of 8 months, the sponsoring Member States should transfer these persons in line with the procedures set out in this Regulation and apply Directive 2008/115/EC; if relevant, Member States may recognise the return decision issued by the benefitting Member State in application of Council Directive 2001/40³⁹. Return sponsorship should form part of the common EU system of returns, including operational support provided through the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and the application of the coordination mechanism to promote effective cooperation with third countries in the area of return and readmission.

(28) Member States should notify the type of solidarity contributions that they will take through the completion of a solidarity response plan. Where Member States are themselves benefitting Member States they should not be obliged to make solidarity contributions to other Member States. At the same time, where a Member State has incurred a heavy migratory burden in previous years, due to a high number of applications for international protection it should be possible for a Member State to request a reduction of its share of the solidarity contribution to Member States under migratory pressure where such contribution consists of relocation or return sponsorship. That reduction should be shared proportionately among the other Member States taking such measures.

(29) Where the Migration Management Report identifies needs in a Member State under migratory pressure in the field of capacity measures in asylum, reception and return or in the external dimension, contributing Member States should be able to make contributions to these needs instead of relocation or return sponsorship. In order to ensure that such contributions are in proportion to the share of the contributing Member State the Commission should be able to increase or decrease of such contributions in the implementing act. Where the indications from Member States to take measures in the field of capacity or the external dimension would lead to a shortfall greater than 30% of the required number of persons to be relocated or subject to return sponsorship, the Commission should be able to adjust the contributions of

Council Directive 2001/40/EC of 28 May 2001 on the mutual recognition of decisions on the expulsion of third country nationals, OJ L 149, 2.6.2001, p. 34.

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these Member States in order to ensure that they contribute half of their share to relocation or return sponsorship.

(30) In order to ensure a comprehensive and effective solidarity response and in order to give clarity to Member States receiving support, the Commission should adopt an implementing act specifying the contributions to be made by each Member State. Such contributions should always be based on the type of contributions indicated by the Member State concerned in the solidarity response plan, except where that Member State failed to submit one. In such cases, the measures set out in the implementing act for the Member State concerned should be determined by the Commission.

(31) A distribution key based on the size of the population and of the economy of the Member States should be applied as a point of reference for the operation of the solidarity mechanism enabling the determination of the overall contribution of each Member State.

(32) A Member State should be able to take, at its own initiative or at the request of another Member State, other solidarity measures on a voluntary basis to assist that Member State in addressing the migratory situation or to prevent migratory pressure. Those contributions should include measures aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Member State under pressure or at responding to migratory trends through cooperation with third countries. In addition, such solidarity measures should include relocation of third-country nationals that are in the border procedure as well as illegally staying third-country nationals. In order to incentivise voluntary solidarity, where Member States make voluntary contributions in the form of relocation or return sponsorship, those contributions should be taken into account in the implementing act provided for in respect of situations of migratory pressure.

(33) The Common European Asylum System (CEAS) has been built progressively as a common area of protection based on the full and inclusive application of the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, as supplemented by the New York Protocol of 31 January 1967 (‘the Geneva Convention’), thus ensuring that no person is sent back to persecution, in compliance with the principle of non-refoulement. In this respect, and without the responsibility criteria laid down in this Regulation being affected, Member States, all respecting the principle of non-refoulement, are considered as safe countries for third-country nationals.

(34) It is appropriate that a clear and workable method for determining the Member State responsible for the examination of an application for international protection should be included in the Common European Asylum System⁴⁰. That method should be based on objective, fair criteria both for the Member States and for the persons concerned. It should, in particular, make it possible to determine rapidly the Member State responsible, so as to guarantee effective access to the procedures for granting international protection and not to compromise the objective of the rapid processing of applications for international protection.

(35) This Regulation should be based on the principles underlying Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴¹ while developing the

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As set out by the European Council at its special meeting in Tampere on 15 and 16 October 1999. Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person, OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 31.

principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility as part of the common framework. To that end, a new solidarity mechanism should enable a strengthened preparedness of Member States to manage migration, to address situations where Member States are faced with migratory pressure and to facilitate regular solidarity support among Member States.

(36) This Regulation should apply to applicants for subsidiary protection and persons eligible for subsidiary protection in order to ensure equal treatment for all applicants and beneficiaries of international protection, and consistency with the current Union asylum acquis, in particular with Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Qualification Regulation].

(37) Persons granted immediate protection pursuant to Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Regulation addressing situations of crisis and force majeure in the field of asylum and migration] should continue to be considered as applicants for international protection, in view of their pending (suspended) application for international protection within the meaning of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation]. As such, they should fall under the scope of this Regulation and be considered as applicants for the purpose of applying the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining their applications for international protection or the procedure for relocation as set out in this Regulation.

(38) In order to limit unauthorised movements and to ensure that the Member States have the necessary tools to ensure transfers of beneficiaries of international protection who entered the territory of another Member State than the Member State responsible without fulfilling the conditions of stay in that other Member State to the Member State responsible, and to ensure effective solidarity between Member States, this Regulation should also apply to beneficiaries of international protection. Likewise, this Regulation should apply to persons resettled or admitted by a Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Union Resettlement Framework Regulation] or who are granted international protection or humanitarian status under a national resettlement scheme.

(39) At the same time, and given the importance of facilitating the full integration of beneficiaries of international protection in the Member State of residence, the prospect of obtaining long-term resident status in a shorter period of time should be provided for. Beneficiaries of international protection should be able to obtain long-term resident status in the Member State which granted them international protection after three years of legal and continuous residence in that Member State. As regards other conditions to obtain the status, beneficiaries of international protection should be required to fulfil the same conditions as other third-country nationals. Council Directive 2003/109/EC⁴² should therefore be amended accordingly.

(40) For reasons of efficiency and legal certainly, it is essential that the Regulation is based on the principle that responsibility is determined only once, unless the person concerned has left the territory of the Member States in compliance with a return decision or removal order.

Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents, OJ L 016, 23.1.2004, p. 44.

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(41) Directive XXX/XXX/EU [Reception Conditions Directive] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴³ should apply to the procedure for the determination of the Member State responsible as regulated under this Regulation, subject to the limitations in the application of that Directive.

(42) Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation] of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁴ should apply in addition and without prejudice to the provisions concerning the procedural safeguards regulated under this Regulation, subject to the limitations in the application of that Regulation.

(43) In accordance with the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration of Member States when applying this Regulation. In assessing the best interests of the child, Member States should, in particular, take due account of the minor’s well-being and social development, safety and security considerations and the views of the minor in accordance with his or her age and maturity, including his or her background. In addition, specific procedural guarantees for unaccompanied minors should be laid down on account of their particular vulnerability.

(44) In accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, respect for family life should be a primary consideration of Member States when applying this Regulation.

(45) In order to prevent that persons who represent a security risk are transferred among the Member States, it is necessary to ensure that the Member State where an application is first registered does not apply the responsibilty criteria or the benefitting Member State does not apply the relocation procedure where there are reasonable grounds to consider the person concerned a danger to national security or public order.

(46) The processing together of the applications for international protection of the members of one family by a single Member State should make it possible to ensure that the applications are examined thoroughly, the decisions taken in respect of them are consistent and the members of one family are not separated.

(47) The definition of a family member in this Regulation should include the sibling or siblings of the applicant. Reuniting siblings is of particular importance for improving the chances of integration of applicants and hence reducing unauthorised movements. The scope of the definition of family member should also reflect the reality of current migratory trends, according to which applicants often arrive to the territory of the Member States after a prolonged period of time in transit. The definition should therefore include families formed outside the country of origin, but before their arrival on the territory of the Member State. This limited and targeted enlargement of the scope of the definition is expected to reduce the incentive for some unauthorised movements of asylum seekers within the EU.

(48) In order to ensure full respect for the principle of family unity and for the best interests of the child, the existence of a relationship of dependency between an applicant and his or her child, sibling or parent on account of the applicant’s pregnancy or maternity, state of health or old age, should be a binding responsibility criterion. When the

Directive XXX/XXX/EU (full text) Directive XXX/XXX/EU (full text)

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applicant is an unaccompanied minor, the presence of a family member or relative on the territory of another Member State who can take care of him or her should also become a binding responsibility criterion. In order to discourage unauthorised movements of unaccompanied minors, which are not in their best interests, in the absence of a family member or a relative, the Member State responsible should be that where the unaccompanied minor’s application for international protection was first registered, unless it is demonstrated that this would not be in the best interests of the child. Before transferring an unaccompanied minor to another Member State, the transferring Member State should make sure that that Member State will take all necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the adequate protection of the child, and in particular the prompt appointment of a representative or representatives tasked with safeguarding respect for all the rights to which they are entitled. Any decision to transfer an unaccompanied minor should be preceded by an assessment of his or her best interests by staff with the necessary qualifications and expertise.

(49) The rules on evidence should allow for a swifter family reunification than until now. It is therefore necessary to clarify that formal proof, such as original documentary evidence and DNA testing, should not be necessary in cases where the circumstantial evidence is coherent, verifiable and sufficiently detailed to establish responsibility for examining an application for international protection.

(50) Where persons are in possession of a diploma or other qualification, the Member State where the diploma was issued should be responsible for examining their application. This would ensure a swift examination of the application in the Member State with which the applicant has meaningful links based on such a diploma.

(51) Considering that a Member State should remain responsible for a person who has irregularly entered its territory, it is also necessary to include the situation when the person enters the territory following a search and rescue operation. A derogation from this responsibility criterion should be laid down for the situation where a Member State has relocated persons having crossed the external border of another Member State irregularly or following a search and rescue operation. In such a situation, the Member State of relocation should be responsibile if the person applies for international protection.

(52) Any Member State should be able to derogate from the responsibility criteria in particular on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, in order to bring together family members, relatives or any other family relations and examine an application for international protection registered with it or with another Member State, even if such examination is not its responsibility under the binding criteria laid down in this Regulation.

(53) In order to ensure that the procedures set out in this Regulation are respected and to prevent obstacles to the efficient application of this Regulation, in particular in order to avoid absconding and unauthorised movements between Member States, it is necessary to establish clear obligations to be complied with by the applicant in the context of the procedure, of which he or she should be duly informed in a timely manner. Violation of those legal obligations should lead to appropriate and proportionate procedural consequences for the applicant and to appropriate and proportionate consequences in terms of his or her reception conditions. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Member State where such an applicant is present should in any case ensure that the immediate material needs of that person are covered.

(54) In order to limit the possibility for applicants’ behaviour to lead to the cessation or shift of responsibility to another Member State, rules allowing for cessation or shift of responsibility where the person leaves the territory of the Member States for at least three months during examination of the application or absconds to evade a transfer to the Member State responsible for more than 18 months should be deleted. The shift of responsibility when the time limit for sending a take back notification has not been respected by the notifying Member State should also be removed in order to discourage circumventing the rules and obstruction of procedure. In situations where a person has entered a Member State irregularly without applying for asylum, the period after which the responsibility of that Member State ceases and another Member State where that person subsequently applies becomes responsible should be extended, to further incentivise persons to comply with the rules and apply in the first Member State of entry and hence limit unauthorised movements and increase the overall efficiency of the CEAS.

(55) A personal interview with the applicant should be organised in order to facilitate the determination of the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection unless the applicant has absconded, has not attended the interview without justified reasons or the information provided by the applicant is sufficient for determining the Member State responsible. As soon as the application for international protection is registered, the applicant should be informed in particular of the application of this Regulation, the fact that the Member State responsible for examining his or her application for international protection is based on objective criteria, of his or her rights as well as of the obligations under this Regulation and of the consequences of not complying with them.

(56) In order to guarantee effective protection of the rights of the persons concerned, legal safeguards and the right to an effective remedy in respect of decisions regarding transfers to the Member State responsible should be established, in accordance, in particular, with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In order to ensure that international law is respected, an effective remedy against such decisions should cover both the examination of the application of this Regulation and of the legal and factual situation in the Member State to which the applicant is transferred. The scope of the effective remedy should be limited to an assessment of whether applicants' fundamental rights to respect of family life, the rights of the child, or the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment risk to be infringed upon.

(57) In order to facilitate the smooth application of this Regulation, Member States should in all cases indicate the Member State responsible in Eurodac after having concluded the procedures for determining the Member State responsible, including in cases where the responsibility results from the failure to respect the time limits for sending or replying to take charge requests, carrying a transfer, as well as in cases where the Member State of first application becomes responsible or it is impossible to carry out the transfer to the Member State primarily responsible due to systemic deficiencies resulting in a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment and subsequently another Member State is determined as reponsible.

(58) In order to ensure the speedy determination of responsibility, the deadlines for making and replying to requests to take charge, for making take back notifications, as well as for making and deciding on appeals, should be streamlined and shortened.

(59) The detention of applicants should be applied in accordance with the underlying principle that a person should not be held in detention for the sole reason that he or she is seeking international protection. Detention should be for as short a period as possible and subject to the principles of necessity and proportionality thereby only being allowed as a measure of last resort. In particular, the detention of applicants must be in accordance with Article 31 of the Geneva Convention. The procedures provided for under this Regulation in respect of a detained person should be applied as a matter of priority, within the shortest possible deadlines. As regards the general guarantees governing detention, as well as detention conditions, where appropriate, Member States should apply the provisions of Directive XXX/XXX/EU [Reception Conditions Directive] also to persons detained on the basis of this Regulation.

(60) Deficiencies in, or the collapse of, asylum systems, often aggravated or contributed to by particular pressures on them, can jeopardise the smooth functioning of the system put in place under this Regulation, which could lead to a risk of a violation of the rights of applicants as set out in the Union asylum acquis and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, other international human rights and refugee rights.

(61) In accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1560/2003⁴⁵, transfers to the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection may be carried out on a voluntary basis, by supervised departure or under escort. Member States should promote voluntary transfers by providing adequate information to the person concerned and should ensure that supervised or escorted transfers are undertaken in a humane manner, in full compliance with fundamental rights and respect for human dignity, as well as the best interests of the child and taking utmost account of developments in the relevant case law, in particular as regards transfers on humanitarian grounds.

(62) In order to ensure a clear and efficient relocation procedure, specific rules for a benefitting and a contributing Member State should be set out. The rules and safeguards relating to transfers set out in this Regulation should apply to transfers for the purpose of relocation except where they are not relevant for such a procedure.

(63) To support Member States who undertake relocation as a solidarity measure, financial support from the Union budget should be provided. In order to incentivise Member States to give priority to the relocation of unaccompanied minors a higher incentive contribution should be provided.

(64) The application of this Regulation can be facilitated, and its effectiveness increased, by bilateral arrangements between Member States for improving communication between competent departments, reducing time limits for procedures or simplifying the processing of take charge requests or take back notifications, or establishing procedures for the performance of transfers.

(65) Continuity between the system for determining the Member State responsible established by Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 and the system established by this Regulation should be ensured. Similarly, consistency should be ensured between this Regulation and Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Eurodac Regulation].

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1560/2003 of 2 September 2003 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national, OJ L 222, 5.9.2003, p. 3.

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(66) A network of competent Member State authorities should be set up and facilitated by the European Union Agency for Asylum to enhance practical cooperation and information sharing on all matters related to the application of this Regulation, including the development of practical tools and guidance.

(67) The operation of the Eurodac system, as established by Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Eurodac Regulation], should facilitate the application of this Regulation.

(68) The operation of the Visa Information System, as established by Regulation (EC) No 767/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁶, and in particular the implementation of Articles 21 and 22 thereof, should facilitate the application of this Regulation.

(69) With respect to the treatment of persons falling within the scope of this Regulation, Member States are bound by their obligations under instruments of international law, including the relevant case-law of the European Court of Human Rights.

(70) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁷ applies to the processing of personal data by the Member States under this Regulation. Member States should implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure and be able to demonstrate that processing is performed in accordance with that Regulation and the provisions specifying its requirements in this Regulation. In particular those measures should ensure the security of personal data processed under this Regulation and in particular to prevent unlawful or unauthorised access or disclosure, alteration or loss of personal data processed. The competent supervisory authority or authorities of each Member State should monitor the lawfulness of the processing of personal data by the authorities concerned, including of the transmission to the authorities competent for carrying out security checks.

(71) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council⁴⁸.

(72) The examination procedure should be used for the adoption of a standard form for the exchange of relevant information on unaccompanied minors; of uniform conditions for the consultation and exchange of information on minors and dependent persons; of uniform conditions on the preparation and submission of take charge requests and take back notifications; of two lists of relevant elements of proof and circumstantial evidence, and the periodical revision thereof; of a laissez passer; of uniform conditions for the consultation and exchange of information regarding transfers; of a standard form for the exchange of data before a transfer; of a common health certificate; of uniform conditions and practical arrangements for the exchange of

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Regulation (EC) No 767/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 concerning

the Visa Information System (VIS) and the exchange of data between Member States on short-stay

visas, OJ L 218, 13.8.2008, p. 60.

Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the

protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of

such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (Text with EEA

relevance), OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1.

Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011

laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the Member States

of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers, OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13.

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information on a person’s health data before a transfer, and of secure electronic transmission channels for the transmission of requests.

(73) The Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts in duly justified imperative grounds of urgency due to the situation of migratory pressure present in a Member States.

(74) In order to provide for supplementary rules, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the identification of family members or relatives of an unaccompanied minor; the criteria for establishing the existence of proven family links; the criteria for assessing the capacity of a relative to take care of an unaccompanied minor, including where family members, siblings or relatives of the unaccompanied minor stay in more than one Member State; the elements for assessing a dependency link; the criteria for assessing the capacity of a person to take care of a dependent person and the elements to be taken into account in order to assess the inability to travel for a significant period of time. In exercising its powers to adopt delegated acts, the Commission shall not exceed the scope of the best interests of the child as provided for in this Regulation. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

(75) A number of substantive changes are to be made to Regulation (EU) No 604/2013. In the interests of clarity, that Regulation should be repealed.

(76) The effective monitoring of the application of this Regulation requires that it be evaluated at regular intervals.

(77) This Regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles which are acknowledged, in particular, in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In particular, this Regulation seeks to ensure full observance of the right to asylum guaranteed by Article 18 of the Charter as well as the rights recognised under Articles 1, 4, 7, 24 and 47 thereof. This Regulation should therefore be applied accordingly.

(78) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely the establishment of criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person, and the establishment of a solidarity mechanism to support Member States in addressing a situation of migratory pressure, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale and effects of this Regulation, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.

(79) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of

this Regulation and is not bound by it or subject to its application. Given that Parts III, V and VII of this Regulation constitute amendments within the meaning of Article 3 of the Agreement concluded between the European Community and the Kingdom of Denmark on the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in Denmark or any other Member State of the European Union and ‘Eurodac’ for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of the Dublin Convention⁴⁹, Denmark has to notify the Commission of its decision whether or not to implement the content of such amendments at the time of the adoption of the amendments or within 30 days hereafter.

(80) [In accordance with Article 3 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, Ireland has notified their wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Regulation]

OR

(81) [In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the TEU and to the TFEU, and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, Ireland is not taking part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not bound by it or subject to its application.]

(82) As regards Iceland and Norway, Parts III, V and VII of this Regulation constitute new legislation in a field which is covered by the subject matter of the Annex to the Agreement concluded by the European Community and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Iceland or Norway⁵⁰.

(83) As regards Switzerland, Parts III, V and VII of this Regulation constitute acts or measures amending or building upon the provisions of Article 1 of the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland⁵¹.

(84) As regards Liechtenstein, Parts III, V and VII of this Regulation constitute acts or measures amending or building upon the provisions of Article 1 of the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland to which Article 3 of the Protocol between the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the accession of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland⁵² refers.

49 50 51 52

OJ L 66, 8.3.2006, p. 38

OJ L 93, 3.4.2001 p. 40.

OJ L 53, 27.2.2008, p. 5.

OJ L 160, 18.6.2011, p. 37.