Belgium is advancing plans to consolidate its asylum and migration services under a single Federal Public Service (FPS) Migration. The initiative aims to create a unified administrative framework for managing asylum and migration processes. The governance model for the new service was approved by the Council of Ministers to structure its internal organisation.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: Federal Public Service Migration, Belgium, coordination, centralisation
The Council of Ministers approved, at second reading, two draft bills aimed at implementing the European Pact on Migration and Asylum in Belgian law. The texts were adopted with a view to their submission to the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium under an urgent procedure. The first draft bill aims to apply or transpose eight legislative instruments of the Pact into Belgian law, while the second concerns procedures before the Council for Alien Law Litigation.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: New Pact on Migration and Asylum, implementation, transposition, Belgian law
The medical office run by Médecins du Monde within the Humanitarian Hub in Brussels will cease its activities on 31 March 2026. The closure follows the recent shutdown of the Athena Medical Centre. According to the organisation, this will further reduce access to primary healthcare for vulnerable groups in the capital. Médecins du Monde has warned of likely consequences for emergency services and for people with limited access to care.
Hoofdthema: Vulnerable groups, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: Humanitarian Hub, Brussels, access to healthcare, vulnerable persons
The Council of Europe’s Division on Migration and Refugees published a Frequently Asked Questions document on 12 February 2026, explaining how the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) applies to migration issues. It clarifies which rights are relevant to non-nationals, how national authorities retain discretion over entry and stay, and the limited circumstances under which the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) may intervene. The document also provides data on immigration-related cases processed over the past decade.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: European Convention on Human Rights, European Court of Human Rights, immigration-related cases, margin of appreciation
On 9 February 2026, the Minerva think tank published a report assessing the economic and demographic impacts of current asylum and migration policies in Belgium, while also considering comparative cases in other European countries. It examines how policy choices in this field interact with labour market needs, demographic trends and public finances, and explores potential medium- to long-term effects associated with different policy approaches. The publication contributes to the broader policy debate by presenting available data and modelling selected scenarios.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: asylum policy, migration policy, labour market, demography, population ageing, welfare
On 4 February 2026, Human Rights Watch published World Report 2026, its annual review of human rights worldwide. In a chapter on the European Union, the report highlights concerns that EU policies and Member State actions may undermine the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It notes, inter alia, restrictions on access to asylum, measures aimed at increasing removals, and the transfer of responsibility to third countries. The report also draws attention to human rights issues at EU borders and deaths at sea.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: asylum policy, migration policy, return regulation, human rights, rights violations
On 29 January 2026, the European Commission presented the first European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, setting out the Union’s objectives on asylum and migration for the next five years. The Strategy identifies three overarching objectives: preventing irregular migration and disrupting smuggling networks; protecting people fleeing conflict and persecution while preventing abuse of the asylum system; and attracting talent to support the EU economy. It also outlines a set of priorities to guide EU action in the coming years.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: asylum and migration management regulation, European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy
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.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: Cyprus, presidency, Council of the European Union
Nu 2025 ten einde loopt, wil het EMN België-team u graag bedanken voor uw voortdurende interesse in en betrokkenheid bij het werk van het Europees Migratienetwerk. Uw actieve deelname is van essentieel belang geweest voor het ondersteunen van uitwisselingen en het bevorderen van een gedeeld begrip van belangrijke ontwikkelingen en uitdagingen op het gebied van asiel en migratie.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectionaal, Asiel, Migratie
Trefwoorden: kerstmis, eindejaarswensen, EMN
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.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: federal administration, Belgium, Federal Public Service Migration
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.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: solidarity pool, New Pact on Migration and Asylum, relocation, financial contribution
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.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: solidarity pool, New Pact on Migration and Asylum, migratory pressure, relocation, financial contribution
Het EMN-Stuurcomité heeft gestemd over de onderwerpen die in 2026 zullen worden geanalyseerd in studies en Informs. In totaal zullen volgend jaar twee studies en acht Informs worden ontwikkeld. Een Belgisch voorstel, getiteld “Het versterken van identiteitsbeheer en fraudepreventie in migratieprocessen”, werd als eerste gerangschikt na de stemming.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectionaal, Asiel, Migratie
Trefwoorden: Europees Migratienetwerk, studieonderwerpen
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.
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.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: international migration trend
Op 30 september 2025 kreeg EMN België, op uitnodiging van Enabel, de gelegenheid om de specifieke kenmerken van zijn netwerkgerichte aanpak toe te lichten aan vertegenwoordigers uit Ivoorkust en Mauritanië, die België bezochten in het kader van een uitwisselingsbezoek rond inclusie en (re)integratie.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectionaal, Asiel, Migratie
Trefwoorden: EMN België, netwerk
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.
Eurostat data show that in 2024, the EU issued 3.5 million first residence permits to non-EU citizens, marking an 8.3% decrease compared with 2023, which had recorded the highest number to date. Employment remained the main reason for granting residence permits, while student permits continued to increase slightly.
Hoofdthema: Data & Statistics, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: Eurostat, first residence permit
Myria werft een beleidsmedewerker aan (voltijds – contract van 2 jaar) ter ondersteuning van het Belgisch Contactpunt van het Europees Migratienetwerk (EMN). De functie focust voornamelijk op arbeidsmigratie en gezinshereniging. U draagt in het Engels bij aan het opstellen van rapporten, studies en beleidsdocumenten in een Europese context. De standplaats van de functie is Brussel.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectionaal, Asiel, Migratie
Trefwoorden: EMN België, vacature
From 1 September 2025, the filing fee for appeals before Belgium’s Council for Alien Law Litigation will increase from €186 to €251, marking a rise of approximately 35%. The fee for parties wishing to intervene in ongoing cases will also increase, from €133 to €180. Legal practitioners are advised to inform clients of the new rates. Questions remain over the impact of these increases on access to justice for vulnerable individuals.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: Council for Alien Law Litigation, appeal procedure, fee
The term “instrumentalisation of migrants” describes a strategy where countries outside the EU use the movement of people to put political pressure on the Union or one of its Member States. This has happened at several borders in recent years and has had real human consequences. A new paper from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) explains what the phenomenon is, the dilemmas it creates, and why responses must strike a careful balance.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: instrumentalisation, migrant, refugee, fundamental right
EU allocates €81 billion for migration, border management, and internal security in 2028–2034 budget
On 16 July 2025, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), totalling nearly €2 trillion. A significant portion of this budget—approximately €81 billion—is earmarked for migration, border management, and internal security. Within this amount, €34 billion is specifically allocated to migration management, tripling the funding compared to the previous period.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectional, Asylum, Migration
Trefwoorden: multiannual financial framework, European Union, budget
Het Europees Migratienetwerk (EMN) heeft zijn populaire glossarium toegankelijker dan ooit gemaakt. Het kan geraadpleegd worden via een vernieuwde website en mobiele app. Met meer dan 540 asiel- en migratietermen in 27 talen helpt het glossarium om complexe concepten te begrijpen. Of je nu een student, journalist, eerstelijnswerker of gewoon nieuwsgierig bent naar asiel en migratie in Europa, het EMN Glossarium biedt duidelijke definities, betrouwbare vertalingen en slimme zoekfuncties - gratis en toegankelijk voor iedereen.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectionaal, Asiel, Migratie
Trefwoorden: glossarium, gemeenschappelijke terminologie, website, mobiele app
Het Europees Migratienetwerk (EMN) heeft zijn Asiel- en Migratieoverzicht 2024 gepubliceerd, met bijdragen van 30 Europese landen. Het Belgische en EU overzicht werden beiden vandaag gepubliceerd, waarbij het Europese overzicht vandaag, 9 juli 2025, werd gepresenteerd tijdens een online lanceringsevenement met meer dan 260 deelnemers. Voor het eerst is het EU overzicht beschikbaar in een interactief formaat dat dynamische toegang biedt tot belangrijke gegevens en trends.
Hoofdthema: Cross-sectionaal, Asiel, Migratie
Trefwoorden: Asiel-en migratieoverzicht, interactief formaat, interactieve kaart
From 1 July to 31 December 2025, Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Presidency’s programme emphasises key priorities such as tackling irregular migration, strengthening border control, and fostering cooperation with partner countries. It also aims to enhance legal migration pathways and address the situation of displaced persons.