Arguably Europe’s greatest trial this century, the surge in refugee numbers has exposed problems in policy and governance that has left both refugees and Europeans facing hardship and strife. 

While certainly a complex issue with very little objectivity and no quick fix, officials – especially parliamentarians – have a plethora of tools at their disposal to foster normalization and create an amicable resolution.

This brief explains the legal framework governing refugees and identifies actions parliamentarians can take to guarantee their protection while ensuring Europeans remain informed and represented.