The European Commission has rejected calls from the aviation sector and the Port of Dover to suspend the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) during the summer travel season. While acknowledging operational difficulties at around 20 external border crossing points, the Commission considers that suspending the system would not be appropriate. It has instead announced additional efforts to support Member States facing implementation challenges.
07/07/2026
15/06/2026
This ad hoc query maps national governance arrangements for implementing Regulations (EU) 2019/817 and 2019/818. It explores the mandates, institutional positioning, and resources of designated interoperability authorities, as well as their duration and future planning.
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12/05/2026
This Inform examines how digital services in legal migration procedures are designed and implemented in EMN Member and Observer Countries to ensure accessibility and inclusion for applicants with disabilities and digitally disadvantaged applicants. It looks at how authorities have adapted applications, document submission, appointment booking, communication and information exchange, and case-tracking services in the context of the ongoing digitalisation of legal migration procedures. The analysis is based on contributions from 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries.
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30/04/2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries allow persons holding a Schengen visa and persons enjoying visa-free travel to apply for a single permit on their territory during their short stay. Additionally, the ad hoc query inquires about different aspects of such procedures as well as possibilities for third-country nationals to obtain a visa for the purpose of seeking employment.
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23/04/2026
On 23 April 2026, the Belgian Chamber of Representatives adopted a bill introducing the possibility of imposing a lifetime entry ban on certain foreign nationals. The measure concerns individuals registered in the national database on terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and amends the Law of 15 December 1980 on access to the territory, residence, establishment and removal of foreign nationals.
16/04/2026
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has clarified that detention centres holding applicants for international protection under the border procedure do not need to be located at the external border of a Member State. It also confirmed that continued detention after the expiry of the border procedure time limit may be permissible under certain conditions. The judgment further addresses the validity of procedural steps taken during the border procedure and reiterates key safeguards under EU law.
31/03/2026
Belgium and Algeria have signed two linked agreements, one on the readmission of irregularly staying Algerians and another providing a visa exemption for holders of Algerian diplomatic and service passports. The readmission agreement introduces measures to speed up identification, extend the validity of travel documents, allow the return of multiple individuals on the same flight, and permit the use of Algerian escorts during enforced returns.
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30/03/2026
Belgium has postponed the registration of biometric data for third-country nationals entering the Schengen area. The measure, announced by the Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, follows significant queues and operational disruptions at Brussels Airport. The decision affects the gradual implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and aims to ensure border checks can be conducted under acceptable conditions for passengers.
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01/02/2026
On 1 February 2026, Belgian Ministers Anneleen Van Bossuyt (Asylum and Migration) and Bernard Quintin (Interior) announced the extension of targeted internal checks, in place since July 2025, until at least 31 July 2026. The measures aim to curb irregular migration and secondary movements into Belgium while enforcing residence requirements and enhancing security. Targeted checks are conducted on major roads, long‑distance buses, selected trains, and intra‑Schengen flights.
29/01/2026
The documents set out key elements of the European Commission’s approach to managing international mobility to the EU. The EU Visa Strategy aims to strengthen the Union’s security and integrity through enhanced visa procedures, modernise the processing and management of visas, and support the EU’s economy and competitiveness by facilitating legitimate travel. Complementing this, the Recommendation on Attracting Talent for Innovation provides guidance to Member States on attracting, admitting, and retaining international students, researchers, highly skilled workers, and innovative entrepreneurs.
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18/01/2026
This ad hoc query provides an overview of which EMN Member and Observer Countries require criminal record certificates in order to issue long-stay visas or residence permits. Details are provided on the categories of third-country nationals exempted from this requirement, the countries from which these certificates are required (country of origin and/or of previous residence), the other types of documents that may be accepted in lieu of a certificate (such as an affidavit), and more.
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08/09/2011
The International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) organizes a two-day symposium on key policy issues of the common European border security
13/10/2011
This study examines the impact of the visa policy on legal and illegal migration in Belgium. It is limited to nationals from third countries, with exception of family members of EU nationals or Belgians. Short-stay visas of max. 3 months and D visas for stays of more than 3 months are discussed
20/07/2011
EMN Conference Come Stay Go - Schengen Luxembourg Europe to be held in Luxembourg City on 27 and 28 September 2011
29/07/2011
The Frontex Risk Analysis Network (FRAN) released its newest quarterly report, covering January - March 2011
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20/07/2011
EU leaders on 24 June agreed to establish a "safeguard mechanism" allowing the re-introduction of internal borders in exceptional circumstances
20/06/2011
Debate organised by the Fondation Robert Schuman whith Mr. Jacques Barrot (former Vice-President of the EU Commission) and Mr. Carlos Coehlo (EU MEP, EPP), moderated by Mr. Jean-Dominique Giuliani
23/06/2011
This is the Annual Report 2010 of the Belgian Immigration Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken/Office des Etrangers)
15/06/2011
On 9 and 10 June 2011, the Justice and Home Affairs of the Council of the European Union took place in Luxembourg. On the agenda of the home affairs ministers stood, amongst others, amendments on FRONTEX-rules and the Schengen evaluation of Bulgaria and Romania.
25/05/2011
Ad hoc query, requested on February 16, 2011, by the Dutch NCP concerning foreign national passports, sent by mail to the holder or a family member (so-called 'blank passports'). 16 responses
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25/05/2011
On May 24, 2011, the European Commission presented its proposals for a better managment of migration flows from the Southern Mediterranean region and for amendements to the Visa Regulation
20/05/2011
The Annual Risk Analysis Report of EU Agency FRONTEX, in charge for the coordination of the operational cooperation between Member States in the field of border security
20/05/2011
On 19 May 2011, the 14th EU-Russia meeting on justice and home affairs took place in Russia
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11/05/2011
The Centre for Equal Opportunities and Opposition to Racism (Centre) published a report about the respecting of fundamental rights of detainees of the INAD-Centre on Brussels Airport
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19/04/2011
This report describes the activities of the Immigration Office for the year 2009 regarding the entry, stay, settlement and removal of foreign nationals.