Abstract
The European asylum system sometimes comes under criticism for being overly generous with regard to access to asylum and other aspects of international protection. This is often attributed to the provisions of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (the Geneva Convention).
This paper examines these claims by applying legal methodology to several key concepts which are relevant not only to the legal structure of asylum law but also to its practical application. The focus is on the evolving jurisprudence and legislative action in Europe which have created a peculiar understanding of international protection.