Data analysis finds EU Dublin asylum relocation was fairer than reputation suggests (euobserver.com)

• Analysis of over half a million Dublin transfers (2008–2024) shows slightly improved fairness in responsibility distribution among EU states.
• Transfers with positive distribution effect outnumbered negative ones by roughly 2:1.
• Effect was not by design but emerged from selective acceptance and court interventions by member states.

"A study of over half a million Dublin transfers from 2008 to 2024 concludes that the system contributed to a slightly fairer distribution of responsibility among EU states. Transfers improving the distribution outweighed those worsening it by roughly two to one, contrary to the dominant narrative that it systematically disadvantaged southern states. This effect emerged not from design but from member state practices: courts halted transfers and states selectively accepted them. The new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, effective June 12, formalizes solidarity but risks new imbalances if returns are strictly enforced while solidarity measures are applied selectively."