This synthesis report summarises the main findings of the national reports for the EMN study on practical measures to reduce irregular migration preformed by EMN national contact points from 22 member states.

The Annual Risk Analysis (ARA) for 2012 presents an analysis of events related to border control as well as to illegal border crossing and different forms of cross-border crime during 2011.

The publication commissionned by the DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, offers a descriptive and analytical assessment of the use of social assistance by migrants in 19 European Member States.

This national report on the EMN-study topic "Practical Measures for Reducing Irregular Migration" provides an overview of existing approaches, mechanisms and measures implemented by Belgium to address irregular migration.

Irregular migration is a subject of ongoing public debate in Europe. Policy makers are under pressure to reduce it and majorities often view it as a problem. Have policy interventions contributed to a decline in irregular migration? Have new hotspots of irregular entry emerged?