Section 3.13. Content of protection
Recognised refugees are granted certain rights and obligations, as outlined by the Geneva Convention. The recast QD outlines the content of international protection to harmonise what a recognised beneficiary of international protection can expect under national policies. Its provisions shape the integration of beneficiaries of international protection through standards on residence permits, employment, education, social welfare and health care. Relevant articles of the directive also outline the criteria for the cessation and revocation of refugee status.
In 2023, legislative and policy changes focused on family reunification and national forms of protection, while countries continued developing integration policies and strategies adapted to the profile of refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection in a particular country, with the support of civil society organisations.
It has been 20 years since the Family Reunification Directive entered into force, and the occasion prompted publications and recommendations to improve the implementation of the legislation. The CJEU and national courts continued to deliver guidance on its practical application, clarifying related rules on its scope and criteria.
Several initiatives related to the establishment and adjustment of rules and criteria for national forms of protection. In order to avoid a legal limbo, many EU+ countries granted residence permits based on humanitarian or medical considerations in an effort to safeguard the best interests of the child or the principle of non-refoulement. Consequently, courts were faced with legalities about national forms of protection, especially concerning related rights.
Many integration initiatives in 2023 continued to be targeted at beneficiaries of temporary protection, for instance in terms of educational support. However, some integration strategies were also put in place or further developed for beneficiaries of international protection.
The reality and the challenges faced by refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection in their daily life showed the key role that civil society organisations play in providing and complementing the support offered by local communities. Many projects and initiatives to welcome and support beneficiaries proliferated during the year. The main challenges were related to insufficient measures or lack of support to find accommodation.
