What is our mandate?
The European Migration Network (EMN) was established by the Council Decision from 14 May 2008 (2008/381/EC), which provides that the EMN is supported by a National Contact Point in each Member State, composed of organisations and individuals active in the area of migration and asylum.
What is our objective?
Provide up-to-date, objective, reliable and comparable information on migration and asylum, with a view to supporting policymaking in the European Union in these areas. Also provide the general public with such information. Particular emphasis is placed on the EMN providing information timely to policy makers, tailored to meet their short, as well as longer term, needs.
Who is part of the Belgian Contact Point?
The multi-institutional Belgian Contact Point includes staff members from the:
- Immigration Office which provides coordination
- Office of Commissioner General for Refugees & Stateless Persons
- Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism
It is supported by a National Steering Group composed of the directors of the above mentioned institutions.
Who is part of the National Network?
Each National Contact Point cooperates with a national network, composed of organisations and individuals active in the area of migration and asylum, including, universities, researchers and research organisations, governmental and non-governmental organisations and international organisations to enable all relevant stakeholders to be heard.
What does EMN Belgium do?
The Contact Point, in cooperation with the National Network:
- Brings together, analyses and makes accessible available data and information on asylum and migration in Belgium and in Europe
- Documents information in a comparative manner and contributes to the development of an Information Exchange System, storing information on the legal, demographic, economic, social and political dimensions of migration
- Regularly meets and networks with the National Steering Group, National Network members and partners, other EMN National Contact Points, the EU Steering Board as well as other European level institutions and organisations
- Disseminates information through paper and electronic tools as well as events
Which products does EMN Belgium concretely contribute to?
- Annual policy report, outlining the most significant political and legislative developments as well as public debates in the area of migration and asylum in Belgium
- Annual statistical report on Migration and International Protection Statistics, presenting an analysis of trends in Belgium
- Studies, including 1 main study and up to 3 focussed studies per year, on topics relevant to policy development at Belgian and EU level, subsequently analysed in comparative synthesis reports
- Inform notes (EMN Inform) providing a brief summary of the main policy-relevant findings from a particular EMN activity or study
- Quarterly reports (EMN Bulletin) highlighting recent policy developments at EU and Member State level and any relevant information extracted from the EMN's existing knowledge, including to the extent possible, latest published statistics
- Responses to short-term ad-hoc queries, responding to information needs for the development of a particular policy in a Member State and/or the European Commission
- Glossary on Asylum and Migration, compiling terms and their definitions (primarily as given in the EU asylum and immigration Acquis)
- Other information products, including information leaflets, newsletters, website.
How is the National Network involved?
Network members are involved in the preparation, production, implementation and dissemination of EMN activities and products. They are provided with various opportunities, inter alia:
- Develop contacts and exchange ideas with national and EU experts
- Make research & be awarded contracts for reports and studies
- Offer their expertise and provide comments on themes at stake
- Have access to the information exchange system
- Participate in national meetings and events
- Contribute to joint publications and projects