Institutional and Normative Mechanisms for Regulating the Legal Status of Refugees and Forced Migrants in European Countries

Abstract

This article examines the institutional and normative frameworks that regulate the legal status of refugees and forced migrants in European countries. With increasing global displacement caused by war, persecution, economic instability, and environmental degradation, Europe faces significant challenges in aligning humanitarian responsibilities with domestic interests. The study analyzes the main legal instruments at the European Union and Council of Europe levels, as well as the institutional roles of agencies such as UNHCR, EASO, and national asylum bodies. It also evaluates national implementation practices, identifies gaps in legal protections, and assesses compliance with international standards. Using a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, this article provides policy recommendations to strengthen coherence, equity, and sustainability in Europe’s response to forced migration.