By reforming the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), Europe is creating standardised rules for greater order, security and fairness. For Germany, this means fewer multiple applications, faster procedures and a significant reduction in the workload for municipalities and authorities. The reform thus strengthens both the trust of citizens in the management of migration and cohesion within Europe.

What is the CEAS? 

The Common European Asylum System (CEAS--Common European Asylum System) is the European Union’s response to the challenges of migration policy. From June 2026, the same rules on how asylum procedures should be carried out will apply to all EU states. This is to ensure that decisions are made according to the same standards everywhere – regardless of which country the application has been submitted in.

What changes will the CEAS bring?

• External EU border procedures: In future, it is to be possible for asylum procedures to be carried out at the external borders of the European Union before entry. There is an independent monitoring mechanism for these procedures to ensure that fundamental and human rights are upheld.
• Fast and standardised procedures: Decisions are to be made within a few days or weeks – not months. This provides greater clarity for people seeking protection and eases the administrative burden.
• Responsibility and solidarity in Europe: Countries at the EU’s external borders are not to be left on their own. All EU states will play their part – by taking in people or providing financial support.

The Federal Cabinet also agreed on changes that go beyond the implementation of the CEAS--Common European Asylum System reform. These include in particular:

• Secondary migration centres: Federal states have the option of creating so-called secondary migration centres. Applicants who have already received international protection in another Member State and so-called Dublin cases can be accommodated centrally there and returned directly to the responsible Member States once the procedure has been completed.
• Extended airport procedure: It is already possible for asylum procedures for certain groups to be carried out directly at the airport. In future, this possibility will be extended – an initial step towards the planned border procedures.

What does this mean for Germany?

Although Germany has no external EU borders apart from with Switzerland, it is often a destination country for so-called secondary migration – i.e. uncontrolled onward movement to other EU Member States. 

With the new system, every application will be registered throughout the EU under the Eurodac Regulation. This creates clarity as to which state is responsible and prevents multiple applications. The expansion of the database will create a reliable basis for gaining a better understanding of migration movements and reducing irregular secondary migration.

Why is the reform important? 

The new system will bring order, security and legal certainty: 

• Citizens can be sure that migration is being controlled.
• Municipalities  will face less pressure because procedures will be completed more quickly.
• Refugees  will receive reliable protection, if they are entitled to it.

Were there any further changes in the parliamentary process?

Yes, the following changes, among others, were passed in the German Bundestag:

• Asylum seekers are allowed to pursue gainful employment after a three-month stay in Germany. This will not apply to foreigners who “repeatedly or significantly” fail to fulfil their duty to cooperate in proceedings, for example by concealing their identity. This represents the implementation of another pledge from the coalition agreement.
• The regulations on secondary migration centres and extended airport procedures will only apply from 12 June 2026. For reasons of practicality, the option of being able to make use of the regulations sooner has been removed.

The legal regulations will come into force in several stages.