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On 2 May 2024, the Chamber of Representatives adopted in plenary session the draft law relating to the competencies of the members of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency on the national territory. The law inter alia defines how Frontex members will support the Federal Police in the field of border controls and forced return of foreigners.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: European Border and Coast Guard, Frontex, border control, forced return, escort
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This event will convene key stakeholders to facilitate discussions about current challenges and to provide insights on good practices in governing the accommodation of international protection applicants and supporting access to housing for international protection beneficiaries.
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Main theme: Integration
Keywords: applicant for international protection, beneficiary of international protection, accommodation, housing
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On 2 May 2024, President von der Leyen was with Cypriot President Christodoulides in Beirut to announce a financial package of EUR 1 billion for Lebanon to contribute to the country's socio-economic stability and to migration management. The deal has already received criticism from various quarters.
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Main theme: External Dimension
Keywords: partnership, irregular migration, financial package, migration management
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On 2 May 2024, the Chamber of Representatives adopted in plenary session the draft law for a proactive return policy. This law inter alia introduces the obligation for the foreigner to cooperate in the return process and it expands the pool of return escorts. The law also enshrines the principle according to which minor children aren't retained in closed centres.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Keywords: proactive return policy
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The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council organised a Ministerial Conference to work towards a common understanding of the main stages of the implementation of the Pact. Particular attention was paid to the development of common and national implementation plans, the role of EU agencies and key stakeholders, as well as good practices from EU countries.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional
Keywords: New Pact on Migration and Asylum, implementation, operationalisation
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EMN Slovakia organises its 10th educational seminar to provide professionals working in the state institutions, non-governmental sector and other entities (e.g. research bodies, academia, media) with comprehensive and up-to-date information on migration. During three days, the seminar will foster networking, experience sharing and discussions among (inter)national experts and participants.
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Main theme: Migration
Keywords: educational seminar, Slovakia
The Council of Ministers approves the public procurement for new closed centers in Jabbeke and Jumet
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On 26 April 2024, the Council of Ministers approved, upon proposal by the Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor and the Secretary of State in charge of the Buildings Administration Mathieu Michel, the public procurement for new closed centers in Jabbeke and Jumet.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Keywords: closed centre, forced return, State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration
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On 24 April 2024, EMN Netherlands, in cooperation with EMN Belgium, organised a conference on family reunification with beneficiaries of international protection. The conference highlighted the EMN Inform on “Family Reunification for Beneficiaries of International Protection”, which was elaborated in light of the 20th anniversary of the Family Reunification Directive.
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Main theme: Family reunification
Keywords: Family Reunification Directive, beneficiary of international protection, family tie, documentary proof, children
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On 23 April 2024, the European Parliament voted in favor of an amended Directive concerning trafficking in human beings. The new text broadens the EU’s actions against human trafficking beyond labour and sexual exploitation, and also criminalises new forms of exploitation like forced marriage, illicit adoption, and the exploitation of surrogacy at the EU level.
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On the proposal of Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib and Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor, the Council of Ministers approved a draft royal decree establishing the list of safe countries of origin, now including Moldova.
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Main theme: International Protection
Keywords: list of safe countries of origin, moldova
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Under the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, EMN Belgium, together with its partners, organise a high-level conference on 25-26 June 2024 to discuss the operationalisation and implementation of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. If you wish to join us in Brussels or online, make sure to register now!
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Main theme: Cross-sectional
Keywords: Belgian Presidency, New Pact on Migration and Asylum
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During its annual policy event, the Belgian Contact Point of the European Migration Network (EMN) invited experts in the field of asylum and migration in Belgium to reflect on developments in 2023 and prospects for 2024. Subgroups examined in more detail measures in response to the reception crisis, the new right of residence for stateless persons, information campaigns in third countries, one-stop desk models for information provision, ongoing challenges and projects in the CGRS, Belgium’s talent mobility projects and emerging trends in the field of labour migration.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional
Keywords: annual EMN policy event
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On 16 April 2024, the Commission published its 2024 State of Schengen report. The report elaborates on major legislative and policy developments in the area of Schengen from the past year, including the Pact on Migration and Asylum. It also reflects on challenges and sheds light on future priorities for the EU in the field of Schengen.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: Schengen area, State of Schengen, Schengen governance, internal border, external border
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In the context of growing diversity and societal polarisation within European municipalities and cities, the Government of Flanders is inviting mayors and local government officials to gather for sharing insights, mutual learning, and cooperative exploration on advancing diversity policies and enhancing social cohesion collectively.
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Main theme: Integration
Keywords: diversity, Social cohesion
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In July 2024, the Odysseus Network for Legal Studies on Migration and Asylum in Europe organises the 24th edition of its yearly summer school. The summer school focuses on the European immigration and asylum policies from a legal perspective, including the latest developments in 2024. A special emphasis is on the adoption of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional
Keywords: Odysseus Network, summer school
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A large delegation from the federal government, accompanied by senior police officers and senior administration officials, is leading a mission to Morocco. The fight against illegal immigration and the return policy are among the priority issues discussed with the Moroccan authorities.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Keywords: irregularly staying third-country national, Morocco, prison, identification
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At the request of the European Ombudsman, an inquiry was launched into the European Commission's approach to ensuring respect for human rights in the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) “on a strategic and global partnership”. This inquiry follows concerns about the absence of a prior human rights impact assessment in the context of the Memorandum.
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Main theme: External Dimension
Keywords: memorandum of understanding, Tunisia, human rights
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On Friday 12 April 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted the revised Single Permit Directive which defines the procedure for obtaining a single permit to work and reside in the EU with a common set of rights for third-country workers. The revision provides for a shortened application procedure and aims to strengthen the rights of third-country workers by allowing a change of employer and a limited period of unemployment.
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Main theme: Economic migration
Keywords: single permit directive, recast
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On 10 April 2024, the European Parliament narrowly approved ten legislative texts to reform the European migration and asylum policy. The so-called New Pact on Migration and Asylum now only needs the final green light from Member States, which is expected at the end of the month.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional
Keywords: New Pact on Migration and Asylum
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The Flemish Red Cross confirmed that the emergency village built in Mechelen in May 2022 for Ukrainians will close its doors in a few months. The rental contracts expire at the end of June 2024 and the Flemish Red Cross wants to help the 319 people still staying there find sustainable housing by then.
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Main theme: Temporary protection
Keywords: temporary protection, Ukraine, emergency village
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On 31 March 2024, Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both Member States including on issuing Schengen visas and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted. Discussions on a date for a possible lifting of the checks on persons at internal land borders will continue in 2024.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: Schengen, Schengen acquis, Bulgaria, Romania
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On a proposal from Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, the Council of Ministers approved a preliminary draft law defining the powers that members of the European Border and Coast Guard would have on national territory during official missions.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Keywords: European Border and Coast Guard, Frontex, border control, forced return, escort
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The House of Representatives approved a draft law creating a prevention mechanism to safeguard the rights of people detained in prisons, closed centres and police stations. The mechanism will be overseen by the Federal Institute for Human Rights, in conjunction with the Central Prison Monitoring Council, the Federal Migration Centre Myria, and 'Committee P'.
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Main theme: Cross-sectional
Keywords: prison, closed centre, monitoring, torture
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On 28 March 2024, the House of Representatives, during the plenary session, approved by a majority the ETIAS law which establishes the Belgian ETIAS National Unit and defines its organisation and functioning. It will enforce the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) regulation adopted by the European Union in 2018.
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Main theme: Borders & Visa
Keywords: ETIAS, European Travel Information and Authorisation System
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On 18 April 2024, the Belgian Contact Point of the European Migration Network (EMN) will bring together Belgian experts in the field of asylum and migration to discuss key developments that marked the year 2023 and the projects and challenges for 2024. The event will offer general information sessions as well as interactive breakout sessions on specific topics of interest.