Background information

The impacts of global migratory movements were felt acutely in Europe during the period 2014-2016. According to Eurostat, more than 600 000 applicants applied for international protection in the EU and Norway in 2014, and this more than doubled to 1.32 million in 2015, a level broadly sustained throughout 2016 (1.26 million applications). Following the 2016 peak, the numbers of applicants for international protection decreased to 705 705 in 2017. The significant increase and subsequent decrease in the influx of applicants for international protection impacted on different (Member) States in different ways.

The EMN study “changing influx of asylum seekers (2014-2016)” examines the changes made in the processing of applications for international protection; reception services; registration procedures; asylum procedures and the content/legal consequences of the protection granted; border control and law enforcement; integration measures; plus other areas impacted by these policies.

The study also draws out key challenges, good practices and lessons learnt during  this period. Finally, the study shows the extent to which the (Member) States included in this study are operationally and organisationally prepared for potentially similar situations in the future.

EU synthesis report

The EU synthesis report is based on the contributions from 25 EMN National Contact Points, including Belgium. The EMN Inform summarizes the results of the study. The EMN Flash is a one-page document presenting the key findings and learning points from the study.  

Among other key points, the synthesis report highlights:

• The 2014-2016 influx of applicants for international protection and other migrants had a profound impact on the EU as a whole, but affected (Member) States in different ways. (Member) States’ authorities have responded in different ways by taking different measures across key areas.
• Some measures taken were similar across different (Member) States, in particular those enhancing law enforcement and border control and those increasing reception places, immigration service staff and financial resources.
• Following the general decrease in the influx of arrivals due to national and EU-wide measures taken, (Member) States responded by dismantling or scaling down some of the measures, reassigning staff elsewhere and re-allocating other resources.
• (Member) States also considered themselves better prepared for future influxes because of the experience gained during 2014-2016 and the emergency and contingency plans put in place as a result.
• Coordination at different levels of government improved the relevance and effectiveness of measures:
  • between national, regional and local authorities;
  • between government and relevant third parties; and
  • between (Member) States bilaterally and multilaterally (EU-level).
• Defining clear mandates and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved also improved the effectiveness of measures.
• Timely sharing of strategic documentation and communication of decisions on measures taken by (Member) States, with the public and media, improved transparency and understanding of the choices made.

Belgian report

Several key lessons learnt could be identified regarding the responses provided to the high influx of applicants for international protection in Belgium, for example:

• Awareness of the “asylum crisis” at a political level is important, and quick political decision making regarding measures to be taken - such as the allocation of additional resources - is crucial.
• The experience of 2015/2016 showed the importance of a coordinated and integrated approach of the authorities that transcends the various policy areas and policy levels. The “asylum crisis” underlined the need for consultation and connecting platforms for the multitude of stakeholders implementing all kinds of initiatives, especially because of the fragmented Belgian landscape (for example, this is one of the conclusions of the report of the “Refugee Task Force” set up by the Federation of Belgian Enterprises137). 
• Regarding the recruitment of new staff by the concerned authorities, the experience of 2015/2016 showed that it takes time to recruit and train these new staff members. For example, this was the case for the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons, in particular for what concerned new staff for more complex jobs (e.g. protection officers who assess the applications for international protection). It is thus important to have realistic expectations as regards when the envisaged results can be obtained.

More lessons learnt can be found in the Belgian report on the changing influx of asylum seekers (2014-2016) above.