The Impact of the EU Qualification Directive on International Protection

This study examines the transposition of certain provisions of the Qualification Directive (Council Directive 2004/83/EC, deadline for transposition expired on October 10, 2006), the differences in practice brought about by transposition, and some of the substantive social rights EU Member States extend to recipients of international protection under the directive.

This project is motivated by concerns about the directive's compatibility with international human rights standards. ECRE and UNHCR have taken the position that some of the directive's provisions do not reflect the 1951 Refugee Convention, and have urged states to adopt higher standards as provided for in article 3.

The study reveals both positive developments that the Directive has brought about, as well as a number of disturbing trends concerning intrinsic flaws in the Directive and a failure by member states to properly implement it.

Impact of the EU Qualification Directive on International Protection - Full text (1.06 MB)

Impact of the EU Qualification Directive on International Protection - Summary (411.02 KB)