Current EU policies and practices regarding refugees "has led to instances of serious fundamental rights violations in both Italy and Greece," a new study by the EP concluded. It points out that countries failed to meet their commitments under the relocation scheme, threatening the rule of law in the EU. On hotspots, it notes, "they have not helped in alleviating pressure on the Italian and Greek systems. On the contrary, they increase burdens, because of structural shortcomings in their design and implementation and due to continuing applications, exacerbating the flaws of the Dublin system."