New EU asylum rules take effect, targeting faster decisions

The European asylum system reform, known as the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), aims to use more effective procedures at Europe's external borders to prevent asylum seekers from moving on within the European Union. Border procedures under the new rules are intended to enable faster asylum decisions and more consistent deportations, with a maximum duration of 12 weeks for those with little prospect of a positive asylum ruling. A solidarity mechanism is in place to distribute the burden of refugee arrivals among EU member states.