Background:

The ad hoc query, submitted by Poland, aims to gather information on national practices and processes for conducting age assessments, with a view to identifying different approaches across EMN Member and Observer countries.

Respondents:

24 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE)  provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:

• All responding countries reported having an age assessment procedure in place in cases where there are doubts about whether a third-country national is a minor, with the exception of RS.
   
• Some countries report that their age assessment systems follow structured, multi-disciplinary procedures (for example, BG). Others continue to place strong emphasis on medical assessments but recognise the need to adopt a more multidisciplinary approach, particularly in light of the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum (for example, FI). In this context, DE plans to introduce a dedicated role for qualified professionals to conduct psychosocial assessments through structured interviews as part of the multi-disciplinary procedure.
   
• Several challenges are highlighted by the responding countries, the most common being the limited accuracy of medical assessment methods and their margin of error. To mitigate this challenge, most countries refer to the principles of the benefit of the doubt and the best interests of the child. In FR, a bill adopted by the National Assembly in late 2025, aimed at safeguarding the best interest of the child seeks to prohibit the use of bone, dental, or pubertal development X-rays to assess the age of a foreign national claiming to be a minor.  
   
• In response to the question on whether countries plan to introduce a new procedure or amend the age assessment procedure, the BE authorities report that, following the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, the competent authorities responsible for age assessments will change. The Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons will become responsible for conducting age assessments of applicants for international protection, while the Guardianship Service will continue to conduct age assessments for individuals who have not applied for international protection.

For further details, please read the compilation of the answers attached above.