Publication date:
From 1 January 2026, the Onder1Dak project, which promotes co-housing between private homeowners and recognised refugees in Flanders, has restarted following renewed support from the Flemish Minister for Civic Integration and Integration. The initiative aims to facilitate access to housing while supporting the social and professional integration of recognised refugees.
Read more
Main theme: Integration
Keywords: refugee, access to housing
Publication date:
On 1 January 2026, Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months. The Presidency’s programme includes the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the efficiency of asylum and return systems, and cooperation with third countries. International organisations have issued recommendations to the Cyprus Presidency on migration and asylum.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: Cyprus, presidency, Council of the European Union
Publication date:
As 2025 comes to a close, the EMN Belgium team warmly thanks you for your continued interest in and engagement with the work of the European Migration Network. Your active participation has been essential in supporting exchanges and fostering a shared understanding of key developments and challenges in asylum and migration.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: holiday season greetings, EMN Belgium, New Year wishes
Publication date:
On 23 December 2025, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a draft law linking social assistance to integration efforts. For recognised refugees, the draft law foresees that the Individual Social Integration Project (ISIP) should include, at a minimum, participation in an integration path. Other newcomers, including third-country students and economically inactive EU citizens, would now need to have legally resided in Belgium for five years before becoming eligible for social assistance.
Read more
Main theme: Integration
Keywords: integration income, Integration path, integration programme, requirement, efforts to integrate
Publication date:
The Belgian Council of Ministers has taken note of a strategic vision for the reorganisation and centralisation of the federal administrative landscape. The plan foresees the regrouping of asylum and migration services under a dedicated Federal Public Service (FPS) Migration. The Council of Ministers has approved a timeline for the reorganisation and centralisation and has tasked the Minister for Public Administration with overseeing its implementation.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: federal administration, Belgium, Federal Public Service Migration
Publication date:
The Council of the European Union has formally adopted the Annual Solidarity Pool for 2026 under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The mechanism aims to support Member States under migratory pressure through relocation of asylum seekers, financial contributions and alternative solidarity measures. Belgium has committed around €12.9 million to the pool.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: solidarity pool, New Pact on Migration and Asylum, relocation, financial contribution
Publication date:
According to Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, 5.925 persons obtained Belgian nationality in September 2025. The main countries of origin of people who acquired Belgian nationality in September are Morocco, Romania, Syria, Poland and Italy.
Read more
Main theme: Data & Statistics, Citizenship & Nationality
Keywords: Belgian nationality, access to nationality
Publication date:
EU Home Affairs Ministers have reached a political agreement on the 2026 solidarity pool, a central component of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The deal sets binding targets of 21.000 relocations or €420 million in contributions, aimed at supporting Member States under migratory pressure. Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Spain are identified as beneficiaries once the Pact becomes applicable in June 2026. The agreement marks a step forward for the solidarity dimension of the Pact, although its practical impact will depend on future implementation.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: solidarity pool, New Pact on Migration and Asylum, migratory pressure, relocation, financial contribution
Publication date:
On 20 November 2025, EMN Belgium attended the launch of the annual report "Rechten op de drempel" by the Flemish Children’s Rights Commissioner, on the occasion of International Children’s Rights Day. The report highlights persistent challenges affecting foreign children and young people in reception centres, including disparities in living conditions, safety, hygiene, and access to basic needs.
Read more
Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception
Keywords: child, applicant for international protection, reception centre, minimum standards
Publication date:
According to Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, 4.859 persons obtained Belgian nationality in August 2025. The main countries of origin of people who acquired Belgian nationality in August are Morocco, Syria, Romania, Poland and France.
Read more
Main theme: Data & Statistics, Citizenship & Nationality
Keywords: access to nationality, Belgian nationality
Publication date:
The EMN Finland Conference 2025 will examine the changed operating environment of immigrant integration in Finland, as well as the challenges and opportunities it presents. The conference will have a special focus on early-stage integration services and their impact on immigrant integration and employment.
Read more
Main theme: Integration
Keywords: Finland, integration policy, integration act, early-stage integration
Publication date:
The EMN Steering Board has voted on the topics to be analysed in studies and informs in 2026. In total, two studies and eight Informs will be developed next year. A Belgian proposal entitled "Enhancing Identity Management and Fraud Prevention in Migration Processes" was ranked first following the vote.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: European Migration Network, study topic
Publication date:
The European Commission has launched the first Annual Migration Management Cycle under the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The cycle provides an annual overview of migration and asylum in the EU and identifies pressures on Member States. It includes the European Annual Asylum and Migration Report, a Commission decision on Member States’ migratory situations, and a proposal for the Annual Solidarity Pool.
Read more
Publication date:
On 4 November 2025, two EMN Belgium colleagues met with the General Delegates for Children’s Rights, Caroline Vrijens (Flanders) and Souleymane Laqdim (French Community), accompanied by two of Ms Vrijens’ team members. The meeting was highly cordial and provided an opportunity for open discussion and in-depth dialogue on shared concerns and potential avenues for cooperation. Key topics included the challenges faced by migrant children in Belgium.
Read more
Publication date:
At the occasion of the publication of the 49th edition of the International Migration Outlook, the OECD organised a launch event including a press conference and a high-level panel discussion. Discussions revolved around the key findings of the report and the future outlook of migration in the EU.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: international migration trend
Publication date:
On 31 October 2025, the European Migration Network (EMN) released its latest Inform highlighting how 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries are addressing access to education for migrant children. The report shows that nearly all participating countries have adopted national measures to support linguistic, social, and emotional integration in schools. Despite persistent barriers, such as language difficulties and unequal learning outcomes, good practices are emerging across Europe, according to this Inform.
Read more
Main theme: Integration
Keywords: migrant child, access to education, inclusion, language learning, psychosocial support, parental involvement
Publication date:
The EMN Spain Conference marks the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the EU and reflects on four decades of transformation in migration policy and integration. It will explore Spain’s journey from a country of emigration to a key destination for migrants, alongside the evolving EU migration framework. The event highlights the Schengen Agreement’s role and the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum. Policymakers and experts will discuss challenges and opportunities shaping the future of migration in Europe.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: Spain, accession to the EU, Schengen Agreement, New Pact on Migration and Asylum
Publication date:
The EMN Italy National Conference 2025 focuses on the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. Organised by the Central Directorate for Migration Policies within the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the event highlights the role of coordinated multi-level governance involving European, national, regional, and local actors. The conference aims to explore policy developments, governance structures, and practical experiences related to migration and asylum management in Italy and across the EU.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: New Pact on Migration and Asylum, multilevel governance, regional actor, local actor
Publication date:
According to Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, 6.535 persons obtained Belgian nationality in July 2025. The main countries of origin of people who acquired Belgian nationality in July are Morocco, Romania, Syria, Turkey and Afghanistan.
Read more
Main theme: Data & Statistics, Citizenship & Nationality
Keywords: Belgian nationality, access to nationality
Publication date:
The EMN Lithuania Conference will explore how labour migration and integration policies can be better aligned to address Europe’s evolving workforce needs. Bringing together policymakers, experts, and practitioners, the event will examine ways to build coherent and sustainable labour migration systems. Discussions will focus on fair treatment, inclusion, and long-term outcomes for migrants. The conference will highlight the importance of linking policy design with practical integration measures across the EU.
Read more
Main theme: Integration, Economic migration
Keywords: labour migration policy, integration policy, labour market need, inclusion, policy coherence
Publication date:
EMN Portugal’s 2025 Conference will focus on the specific challenges arising from international protection and the integration of beneficiaries. The event will bring together researchers, government agencies, social partners and private sector representatives to exchange knowledge and explore innovative policies and practices. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss national experiences and share successful approaches adaptable to various contexts.
Read more
Main theme: Integration, Vulnerable groups
Keywords: beneficiary of international protection, integration challenge, vulnerability
Publication date:
In the case of Sahiti v. Belgium, a Kosovar national has waited over 15 years for a final decision on his medical residence permit application in Belgium. He claimed that his health condition and the procedural delays exposed him to serious risks. The European Court of Human Rights found a violation of Article 8 of the Convention due to the prolonged uncertainty and precarious situation. The Court instructed Belgium, under Article 46, to ensure that a final decision is issued promptly while respecting domestic law.
Read more
Main theme: Regularization
Keywords: application for a residence permit, medical ground, excessive delay, article 8 ECHR
Publication date:
On 30 September 2025, at the invitation of Enabel, EMN Belgium had the opportunity to present the specific features of its network-based approach to representatives from Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania, who visited Belgium as part of an exchange visit focused on inclusion and (re)integration.
Read more
Main theme: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Keywords: EMN Belgium, network
Publication date:
The Flemish government has decided that third-country workers – from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – will follow a mandatory tailored integration trajectory from 2027. The initiative, proposed by Minister Hilde Crevits, will be delivered digitally and can be started in the country of origin or within six months of arrival in Flanders. The programme provides essential information on work, rights and responsibilities, and Flemish norms and values. Certain temporary or seasonal workers, students, and holiday-work participants are excluded.
Read more
Main theme: Integration, Economic migration
Keywords: migrant worker, self-employed, integration programme, digital learning
Publication date:
The Fedasil Info Point in Brussels has been supporting asylum seekers and other migrants for two years, providing accessible and centralised information in one location. Since reopening on 27 September 2023 at the former Bordet Hospital site, it has welcomed over 22.000 visitors, mostly single men with ongoing asylum procedures. Visitors most frequently ask about accommodation, medical care, legal support, and other practical matters. Partners such as Caritas International and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) assist in providing guidance and support.