On 15 November 2024, the members of the European Migration Network (EMN) Steering Board voted on a list of topics that will give rise to EMN publications in 2025. These topics were considered particularly relevant to meet the information needs of Community institutions and of Member States’ authorities and institutions on migration and asylum. Following the vote, here are the publications that the EMN will undertake next year:

1. "The asylum procedure at the border: implementing the new Pact on Migration and Asylum":
This inform, proposed by EMN France, aims to provide a better understanding of the different procedures applicable at the Schengen borders of EU Member States for foreign nationals seeking asylum. It will offer an overview of the various existing national systems (if they exist) and the volumes processed.

2. "Policy developments regarding access to the rights and responsibilities of beneficiaries of temporary protection":
This inform, proposed by the European Commission and EMN Netherlands, should take stock of support and/or access to rights provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection, most notably changes since the first activation of temporary protection. This inter alia entails access to first-reception, accommodation and housing, in-kind or financial support, access to medical services etc.

3. "Recognition of Qualifications and Skills of Third-Country Nationals: Overview of Procedures and Challenges in relation to Regulated Professions":
This inform, proposed by EMN Lithuania, will analyse the existing procedures for recognizing the qualifications and skills of third-country nationals in EMN Member or Observer Countries that grant them access to a regulated profession. It will also outline the measures taken by EMN Member and Observer Countries to reduce obstacles that impede the recognition of qualifications and skills of third-country nationals.

4. "Fostering the sustainable labour market integration of third-country nationals: Skills matching policies and instruments": 
This study, proposed by EMN Austria, aims to develop an understanding of which groups of third-country nationals (e.g. labour migrants, beneficiaries of international protection, beneficiaries of temporary protection) are most affected by the phenomenon of skills mismatch. It will also analyse the underlying causes for higher over-qualification rates among third-country nationals – compared to nationals/EU citizens – in EMN Member and Observer Countries.

5. "Safe third countries of origin or transit: criteria for identifying and examining applications for asylum in the light of the new Procedural Regulation (EU) 2024/1348":
This inform, proposed by EMN Italy, will explore the ways in which EMN Member and Observer Countries currently increase or modify the list of countries of origin or transit to be considered safe (assessment criteria, competent national authority, designation procedures). It will also identify the procedures for examining applications of applicants from third countries (of origin or transit) considered to be safe.

6. "Safeguarding the Fundamental Rights of Third-Country Nationals in Screening and Border Procedures while Implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum":
This inform, proposed by EMN Lithuania, aims to analyse existing and planned measures, including monitoring component, in EMN Member Countries to ensure the safeguarding of third-country nationals' fundamental rights during screening and border procedures. It will also identify methods which are and will be used by national authorities in EMN Member Countries to assess the vulnerability of third-country nationals in screening and border procedures.

7. "Bridging the digital divide - challenges and opportunities in the use of digital services in legal migration procedures":
This inform, proposed by EMN Sweden, will help gain increased awareness of challenges and solutions regarding accessibility and obstacles for applicants with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to be able to fully manage digital services (i.e. online applications, upload /submission of documents, self-registration, online interviews etc.) on equal terms.

8. "Early integration of asylum seekers - experience and good practices":
This inform, proposed by EMN Poland, aims to collect information on practical activities and innovative solutions developed in EU Member Countries in regard to early integration measures dedicated to applicants for international protection in different areas such as access to language lessons, preparatory classes to facilitate participation in the education system, employment and skills development.

9. "Rethinking reception: Innovative support models for asylum seekers":
This inform, proposed by EMN Belgium on behalf of the Belgian Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers -Fedasil, aims to identify practices across EMN Member and Observer Countries in implementing alternative support mechanisms for applicants for international protection, such as financial aid, meal vouchers, and other non-traditional forms of assistance. It should map out how the support is organised for individuals using alternative forms of accommodation and explore how these alternatives can alleviate pressure on reception facilities.

10. "The provision of legal counselling for applicants for international protection in the administrative procedure as envisaged in the Asylum Procedure Regulation (EU) 2024/1348":
This inform, proposed by EMN Finland, will explore the different options available for providing legal counselling for applicants for international protection during the administrative procedure (i.e., during the application's examination). It will provide a state of play of how legal counselling and/or legal assistance is currently provided for applicants for international protection during the examination of the application in EMN Member and Observer Countries.

If you are interested in any of these topics and have expertise and information on these subjects, please contact EMN Belgium at emn@ibz.be.