Private Sponsorship of Refugees in Europe

The book examines private sponsorships as a new legal pathway for refugees to resettle in Europe. The topic of this book is strongly connected to the current refugee crisis. Amid disagreements about how Europe could respond to it, there does seem to be a broad consensus that there should be safe and legal ways for genuine refugees to start a new life.

This book looks at the potential for introducing private sponsorships in Europe, both at national and EU level, in order to provide more refugees with a safe and legal pathway to resettlement. It assesses whether recurring to private sponsorships could enhance refugee resettlement opportunities in Europe. It gives an account of the private sponsorship arrangements currently adopted in the world by analysing them within the broader context. It outlines, based on the experience of countries that already make use of these programs, which aspects of private sponsorships work, which do not work, and which could work with some improvements.

Building upon this background the book makes some suggestions, both at state level in Europe and EU level, on how to move forward.