Asylum applications by Afghans approaching those by Syrians
While Syrians were still the largest group of asylum applicants in EU+ countries in July, the gap to Afghans continued shrinking. As these and other main nationalities lodged substantially more applications compared to previous months, total applications were at the highest level since the outbreak of COVID-19 and approached pre-pandemic levels.
16th September 2021 Read MoreAfghanistan: EASO updates report on security situation
The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) has published an updated Country of Origin Information (COI) Report on the security situation Afghanistan. As with all EASO COI Reports, the publication offers an objective resource for use by EU Member State asylum officials when reviewing individual applications for international protection – in this case by Afghan nationals. It also offers the basis for the development of Country Guidance Notes aimed at harmonising asylum decision practices across the EU.
9th September 2021 Read MoreLithuania to receive immediate operational support from EASO
The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) could deploy up to 50 personnel, both in-country and via remote working, in support of the Lithuanian asylum authorities by the end of the year.
15th July 2021 Read MoreEASO welcomes agreement establishing EU Agency for Asylum
The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) welcomes today’s political agreement reached by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, together with the European Commission, on a new enhanced mandate that will re-establish the Agency as the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
29th June 2021 Read MoreEASO Asylum Report 2021: COVID-19 exposes strengths and weaknesses of EU asylum systems
Despite the pandemic, the EASO Asylum Report 2021 highlights the resilience of many EU+ countries’ asylum systems in using innovative solutions for business continuity. Resources were allocated to adapt working methods, implement digital solutions and reduce pending cases. However, shortcomings were also exposed, notably in terms of reception conditions, low returns to countries of origin, resettlement and reduced Dublin transfers.
29th June 2021 Read MoreWest Africans and Moroccans lodging more asylum applications
Along with several of the top nationalities, West Africans and Moroccans contributed to a recent rise in first-time applications for asylum in the EU+. This comes after months of high levels of irregular migration on the Western African route to the Canary Islands.
27th May 2021 Read MoreEASO Executive Director welcomes Spain’s commitment to reform reception system
During the week of 10-14 May 2021, the Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), Nina Gregori, held a series of high-level meetings in Lisbon and Madrid to discuss the Agency’s new operational support for Spain’s reception system, as well as work to enhance EASO’s mandate and transform it into the EU Agency for Asylum.
17th May 2021 Read MoreUkrainians lodged 72% more applications for asylum in February
Ukrainians lodged considerably more asylum applications in the EU+ in February 2021, compared to January, making them one of the top ten nationalities of applicants. This is in stark contrast with several other main nationalities, who are still lodging far fewer asylum applications in the EU+ compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.
20th April 2021 Read MoreEASO begins strengthening support for EU reception authorities
On 18 March 2021, the Management Board of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) adopted the EASO Strategy on Reception. The document responds to the growing demand from EU+ countries for EASO’s operational and technical support on the reception of asylum seekers.
30th March 2021 Read MoreEASO and Greece increase joint training activities for asylum officials
Increased deployment of EASO personnel in Greece matched by new training plan aimed at supporting the Greek authorities in sustaining long-term quality and efficiency in the national asylum system.
26th March 2021 Read More