The European Asylum System as a Non-Cooperative Game : The Role of Harmonisation

We delineate a non-co-operative game in which the countries of Europe implement restrictive measures to reduce the inflow of asylum seekers in their territories. These restrictions may divert the asylum seekers towards other countries, with spill over effects. Attention focuses on the role of harmonization of regulations and the good practices put into operation by the agencies for refugees in implementation of government restrictive directives. The analysis shows that harmonization can mitigate competition between countries and bring about greater respect for the rights of the asylum seekers and a more stable distribution of refugees amongst the various states, albeit without entailing full respect of the rights of the asylum seekers and completely fair burden sharing