The governance of accommodation for international protection applicants is a critical issue faced by EMN Member and Observer Countries. Under Directive 2013/33/EU and its recast (EU) 2024/1346, EU Member States must provide an adequate standard of living for applicants for international protection, including housing. Ensuring this provision is a challenge, in part due to the unpredictable nature of applicant flows, which requires significant flexibility, the vulnerable nature of the populations, and the need to plan for access to tailored services.

This Inform considers accommodation from a governance angle, providing a crucial framework for understanding and analysing the processes, mechanisms, structures and good practices in this area. The Inform shows that:

• Most EMN Member and Observer Countries adopt a centralised governance model, where a single authority is primarily responsible for the reception of applicants for international protection. This is typically managed by the Ministry of the Interior or a specialised executive agency. Centralised governance is particularly beneficial in terms of consistency in planning, coordination, and accountability. 
   
• In contrast, several countries, including BE, employ a mixed governance model, wherein responsibilities are shared between national, regional, and local authorities. This approach allows for more flexibility in addressing the specific needs of applicants in different regions.
   
• Germany stands out as the only country among the EMN Member and Observer Countries that operates under a fully decentralised model. This system allows for a more tailored response to the varying needs of applicants across regions but requires robust coordination mechanisms to ensure that the system remains cohesive and effective.
   
• The volatile nature of migration flows necessitates well-structured contingency planning. The majority of EMN Member and Observer Countries have developed preparedness plans to accommodate sudden increases in demand for housing. These plans are typically developed and implemented with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), and private contractors.
   
• Managing staffing levels in reception centres and accommodation facilities is a challenge for EMN Member and Observer Countries. The bodies that govern the accommodation of applicants for international protection employ a mix of civil servants, non-governmental organisation (NGO) employees and staff from independent agencies. Temporary staff may also be employed to manage fluctuating demands for accommodation for applicants for international protection.
   
• The accommodation systems for international protection applicants are largely funded through state budgets, with additional support from EU funding streams. The state budget generally covers the core costs of accommodation facilities, while EU funds are often allocated for specific projects aimed at improving the reception conditions.

For further information, please read the Inform attached above.