Dignity and Resilience at the Heart of EU Asylum Reception

When people feel safe, supported, and seen, they can begin to rebuild their lives.

This World Refugee Day, the Red Cross EU Office reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every person seeking protection in Europe is welcomed with dignity and offered the tools to thrive. 

As the EU reaches the halfway point in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the choices made today will shape the future of our societies. Will we build systems that are reactive and fragmented, or ones that are resilient, inclusive, and grounded in humanity? 

The Commission’s latest progress report highlights both achievements and urgent gaps. Now is the time to act boldly and humanely. EU Member States can use this opportunity to raise standards by creating reception systems that are fair and responsive to the long-term, predictable nature of migration. 

Reception as a Foundation for Inclusion

Reception is more than a legal requirement. It is a moral and social cornerstone. It means offering not just shelter, but a safe and supportive environment where people can recover, access services, and begin to participate in their new communities. 

Yet, as the Commission’s report notes, many Member States still face challenges in meeting the new reception standards. Insufficient capacity and uneven conditions risk undermining the rights of those seeking protection and the Pact’s integration objectives.

Across Europe, National Red Cross Societies are stepping in: providing housing, healthcare, education, legal aid, and psychosocial support. These efforts are vital, but they must be matched by long-term public investment and political will.

Putting People First

A humane reception system starts with recognising that every person has unique needs. Whether it’s a child, a survivor of violence, or a person with a disability, tailored support is essential. Trauma-informed care, intercultural mediation, and access to legal aid are not luxuries – they are lifelines.

Red Cross teams accompany people through every step of the asylum process. This approach builds trust, reduces stress, and connects people with the services they need to move forward.

Beyond Reception: Building Resilient Futures

Reception should not end when a decision is made. Whether someone receives protection or not, the transition out of the system is a critical moment. Without continued support, people risk falling into homelessness, poverty, or isolation.

That’s why we advocate for early access to housing, social services, and alternative pathways to residency. Everyone deserves the chance to live with dignity and contribute to society.

A Call to Action

This World Refugee Day, we call on European leaders to seize the opportunity to create asylum systems that reflect our shared values. Systems that are:
•    Adequate: Providing timely accommodation and access to healthcare and other rights.
•    Person-centred: Tailored to individual needs, with a focus on well-being and empowerment.
•    Sustainable: Built to last, with long-term investment in capacity, staff, and community support.

Solidarity is more than a notion – it is a practice that is expressed in how we welcome the people who arrive at our doors. Let’s build strong, inclusive communities and support social inclusion through supportive reception systems that prioritise people’s agency and inclusion needs.