"Migration to Europe is a longstanding phenomenon. To seize the opportunities and confront the challenges engendered by this kind of international mobility, the European Union (EU) is developing a common approach to migration. Likewise, the EU has developed a common European asylum system to protect those seeking refuge in Europe from persecution or risk of serious harm in their home country. Work in these policy areas also involves closer dialogue and cooperation with non-EU countries. This brochure is part of the series ‘The European Union explained’ that explains what the EU does in the fields where it has powers, why it does this and what it achieves." (Quoted from paper)