The EU reaffirms the obligation to protect refugees while applying the new rules on migration and asylum.

The European Union has reaffirmed that the protection of refugees must remain grounded in the 1951 Convention, in international law, and in cooperation between states, while new European rules on migration and asylum are being implemented. The joint statement by the European Commission and the High Representative does not change the legislation and does not introduce additional obligations, but clarifies the legal framework that member states must respect in managing protection requests and migration.

In short, the European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to the 1951 Convention 75 years after the adoption of the main international treaty on the protection of refugees. The Convention establishes the rights of individuals forced to flee and the obligations of states to protect them from persecution, in accordance with international law. The statement does not announce a new European law, but asserts that the Pact on migration and asylum must be applied in accordance with international protection standards. The Union's plan for the period 2026–2027 includes over 10,000 commitments for relocation and humanitarian admission, voluntarily undertaken by participating states. Member states grant temporary protection to over 4.4 million people who have fled Ukraine due to the war triggered by Russia.

The Convention on the Status of Refugees, adopted in 1951, remains the main international legal framework for protecting individuals forced to leave their country due to persecution. It defines the rights of protected persons and the obligations of states, including the principle that refugees must be treated with dignity and in accordance with international law.

The European Commission and the High Representative have stated that the protection of refugees must remain integrated into the legislation of the Union and partner states. The European position refers both to the respect for the Convention and to the necessary international cooperation for its effective implementation.

The statement also emphasizes the link between respect for international humanitarian law and the prevention of forced displacements caused by armed conflicts. Attacks on civilians, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the inability to access basic services can force populations to leave their homes, and adherence to applicable conflict norms can reduce these risks.

Humanitarian organizations are presented as essential actors in providing protection and assistance to affected populations. Their activities include access to shelter, food, medical services, and other forms of support for displaced persons, in accordance with humanitarian principles.

The European Union has reaffirmed its support for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The UN agency has the mandate to protect refugees and displaced communities and to contribute to the coordination of the international response in situations of forced displacement.

The EU also mentions its involvement in implementing the Global Compact on Refugees, an international framework aimed at more equitable sharing of responsibility among states, supporting countries hosting a large number of refugees, and identifying long-term solutions.

The statement places these obligations in the context of implementing the EU Pact on migration and asylum. The document asserts that the new European rules must support an approach that covers the entire migration route and keeps the Union as a space of protection for people fleeing war and persecution.

The Pact does not replace the Refugee Convention and does not eliminate the international obligations of member states. The application of European asylum, border, and migration procedures must remain compatible with the rights of individuals seeking protection and with the obligations of states under international law.

One of the instruments included in the new European framework is the system for relocation and humanitarian admission. Relocation allows for the organized transfer of individuals in need of protection from a country outside the Union to a member state that agrees to receive them.

Humanitarian admission allows for the legal and organized reception of vulnerable individuals based on criteria and commitments established by states. These mechanisms provide pathways to protection that do not depend on irregularly crossing the external borders of the Union.

The Union's plan for relocation and humanitarian admission for the period 2026–2027 includes over 10,000 commitments. The statement specifies that these are commitments undertaken by states, without asserting that all transfers have already taken place.

The Commission and the High Representative also mention the responsibility of member states to host refugees and displaced persons. Among them are over 4.4 million people who have fled Ukraine due to the war triggered by Russia and who benefit from temporary protection in the European Union.

Temporary protection allows for the rapid granting of residence rights and access to services for displaced persons in situations of mass influx. It is distinct from the individual procedure through which a person can be recognized as a refugee.

The EU asserts that it will continue to support countries hosting a large number of refugees and displaced persons. The support mentioned in the statement aims to ensure access to shelter and essential services and to identify sustainable solutions for vulnerable individuals.

Among these solutions are local integration, relocation, and assisted voluntary return. The statement does not present return as an automatically applicable option for all individuals, but includes it among the solutions that can be used depending on the individual situation and conditions in the country of origin.

The European Union asserts that it will also maintain support for international protection standards, for international law, and for access of humanitarian organizations to affected populations. The position also includes support for strengthening the capacity of communities hosting refugees and for reducing long-term dependence on humanitarian aid.

The 1951 Convention was created in the aftermath of the massive population displacements that occurred during and after World War II. It establishes the framework within which a person can benefit from international protection and the obligations of states towards refugees.

The European statement marks 75 years since the adoption of the Convention, without changing its content and without creating a new category of protection. The position confirms that European policies on migration and asylum must be applied within the limits set by international law and the obligations undertaken by member states.