This EMN Inform sheds light on the challenges faced by beneficiaries and applicants for international protection in EMN Member Countries and Serbia as they strive to access autonomous housing. It also provides an overview of the different approaches and strategies employed by these countries to support their access to autonomous housing.

A European pilot project is underway to improve access to sustainable housing for beneficiaries of international protection and beneficiaries of temporary protection. Running from November 2024 to October 2027, PATHS brings together IOM, Orbit and Fedasil in Belgium, with partners in France and Greece. The initiative focuses on preventing homelessness through housing platforms, stronger intermediary organisations and greater engagement with property owners.

This data comes from Bruss’help’s eighth count, carried out through a large-scale collaboration across sectors and indicating a worsening trend of homelessness in Brussels. For the first time, data from reception centres for applicants for international protection were collected. Out of 5.135 individuals, 17 were required to leave their centre within 30 days without any housing solution, while 94 remained beyond their expected departure due to the lack of stable housing options.

About sixty Eritrean refugees gathered in front of the Town Hall in Ghent to draw the authorities' attention to the impact of the housing crisis on their situation and integration prospects. The authorities expressed their intention to find solutions but called on Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt to address this issue together. They also stated that they would consider a European response to this widespread problem. 

During this Networking Day, participants will examine ways to increase housing opportunities for newcomers. Through three workshops and a panel discussion, participants will bring together their experiences and expertise in the field.

While Belgium continues to face a reception crisis, ongoing since the summer of 2021, the latest figures from Fedasil show that the number of places for asylum seekers made available by municipalities continues to decrease.