As the European Union moves to implement its long-debated Pact on Migration and Asylum, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is urging caution. Jean-Nicolas Beuze, the UNHCR representative in Brussels, stressed that the bloc must ensure nobody is returned to a possible situation of harm when enforcing the new rules.
Speaking to European Pulse, Beuze emphasized that the pact, which aims to streamline asylum procedures and strengthen border controls across the twenty-seven member states, should not lead to collective expulsions. Instead, each case must be evaluated on its own merits, with full respect for the principle of non-refoulement — the prohibition of returning refugees to territories where they face threats to life or freedom.
Individual Assessments as a Cornerstone
Beuze argued that the success of the pact hinges on the ability of national authorities in capitals like Berlin, Paris, and Rome to conduct thorough, individualized screenings. “The EU has a legal and moral obligation to verify that no person is sent back to a country where they could face persecution, violence, or serious harm,” he said. This is particularly critical given the diverse migration flows affecting different regions — from the Mediterranean routes to the Western Balkans.
The UNHCR’s call comes as the European Commission in Brussels pushes member states to finalize national implementation plans. The pact, approved after years of negotiations, introduces mandatory border procedures and faster returns for those deemed inadmissible. However, human rights organizations have warned that the accelerated timelines could compromise due process.
Beuze’s remarks also resonate with ongoing debates in countries like Belgium, where drug-related violence in Antwerp and Brussels has sparked discussions about security and migration. As Belgium debates narco-state status, the UNHCR insists that security concerns must not override individual rights.
The representative highlighted that the pact’s success will depend on adequate resources for asylum systems, including legal aid and interpretation services. He also noted that the EU must work closely with third countries, such as those in the Balkans and North Africa, to ensure safe and dignified returns where appropriate.
Meanwhile, the EU’s enlargement agenda adds another layer of complexity. As Brussels pushes EU states to advance Serbia's accession talks, migration management remains a key condition for candidate countries. Beuze urged the EU to maintain high standards in its external border policies, even as it seeks to expand its influence.
The UNHCR’s stance aligns with broader calls for reform within the EU. Some member states, particularly those on the front lines like Greece and Italy, have long argued for more solidarity in sharing responsibility for asylum seekers. Others, such as Poland and Hungary, have resisted mandatory relocation schemes. The pact attempts to balance these interests through a system of mandatory solidarity contributions, but Beuze warned that the devil lies in the details.
“The EU must avoid creating a two-tier system where some countries effectively opt out of protection obligations,” he said. Instead, the bloc should invest in integration programs and legal pathways to reduce irregular migration over the long term.
As the implementation phase begins, the UNHCR will monitor national legislation and practices closely. Beuze called for transparency and accountability, urging the European Parliament and civil society to hold governments to account. “The pact is a framework, but its impact will be measured by the lives it touches,” he concluded.
