The Council of the European Union has agreed its position on two key proposals to strengthen the use of safe country concepts in EU asylum rules. One addresses the safe third country concept, and the other establishes the first EU‑wide list of safe countries of origin. They aim to accelerate asylum procedures and improve the management of applications from those unlikely to require protection. Negotiations with the European Parliament, which has also endorsed the list, will follow to agree on the final texts.

During a session of the Chamber of Representatives’ Interior Committee on 2 December 2025, Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt outlined the government’s decision regarding the list of safe countries of origin. She specified which countries are included in the 2025 list and explained that Morocco was added due to improvements in its human rights situation and the low recognition rate for asylum applications from Moroccan nationals. 

The Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) is resuming the processing of applications for international protection from Syrian nationals from 1 November 2025. The suspension, in place since 9 December 2024, was implemented to gather sufficient information on the security situation in Syria.

Belgian Ministers of Justice and Asylum and Migration, Annelies Verlinden and Anneleen Van Bossuyt, visited Albania and Kosovo on 6–8 October 2025. Their discussions addressed migration management, prison overcrowding, and bilateral cooperation in justice and security. Meetings involved national authorities and highlighted ongoing collaboration between Belgium and the two countries.

The Fedasil Info Point in Brussels has been supporting asylum seekers and other migrants for two years, providing accessible and centralised information in one location. Since reopening on 27 September 2023 at the former Bordet Hospital site, it has welcomed over 22.000 visitors, mostly single men with ongoing asylum procedures. Visitors most frequently ask about accommodation, medical care, legal support, and other practical matters. Partners such as Caritas International and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) assist in providing guidance and support.

Belgium introduced targeted internal checks in July 2025 to address irregular and secondary migration. The measures are applied at airports, international bus and rail stations, and motorway rest areas. Over 11.000 individuals have been checked, with some ordered to leave the territory or placed in closed centres. The government plans to continue the checks and to conduct a six‑month evaluation.

Asylum applications in EU+ countries fell by nearly a quarter in the first half of 2025, according to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). A sharp decline in requests from Syrians, following political change in the country, shifted the profile of applicants across Europe. Venezuelans became the largest group seeking protection, while Germany lost its position as the main destination country. Recognition rates reached a record low, reflecting procedural factors and changes in applicant composition.

In August 2025, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) introduced a Self-Assessment Tool to help national authorities evaluate the quality of their asylum procedures. Based on EUAA operational standards and indicators, the tool provides a structured method for self-assessment. It aims to help administrations identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with EU standards. A descriptive version of the tool is currently available to guide implementation.

Did you know that the UNHCR Operational Data Portal provides detailed, up-to-date information on sea arrivals in Europe? As of 24 August 2025, a total of 89.189 people have reached European shores by sea. The majority of these arrivals have been recorded in Italy and Greece, while Spain also received significant numbers. In 2024, a total of 187.337 sea arrivals were reported, illustrating the continued importance of Mediterranean and North-West African routes.

In the first half of 2025, West Flanders saw 72 transit migrants intercepted, a significant decrease compared with previous years. Most were from Ethiopia, while earlier periods involved people from Sudan, Iraq and Vietnam. Authorities cite preventive policing and cross-border controls as key factors.

From 4 August 2025, Belgium implements two changes affecting international protection procedures. The period to justify absence from personal interviews is reduced from 15 to 8 days. In addition, new applications submitted after a decision on a previous request in another EU Member State are now registered as subsequent applications.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that a Member State may designate a third country as a ‘safe country of origin’ by legislative act, provided that the designation can be subject to effective judicial review. The judgment clarifies that the sources used for such a designation must be accessible to both applicants and courts. The Court also stated that a country cannot be listed as ‘safe’ if it does not offer adequate protection to all its population.

The Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) announced that the suspension of processing of applications for international protection from Syria, a measure in place since December 2024, would be extended until the end of October 2025.

On 23 July, Belgium officially published two new laws aimed at reducing the burden on international protection procedures and limiting access to reception for certain applicants. In particular, these laws redefine which applications are considered subsequent by including those who have already received protection or a final decision in another EU country, and they limit access to reception facilities and material assistance for this group. The laws reflect the government’s intention to streamline asylum processing and manage reception capacity effectively.

The Dutch Council of State has ruled that single male asylum seekers may no longer be transferred to Belgium under the Dublin Regulation. The judgment cites systemic failures in Belgium’s reception and legal protection for this group, exposing them to a real risk of inhuman treatment. These individuals must now remain in the Netherlands while their asylum claims are processed.

On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, NANSEN highlights its work with applicants for international protection who have experienced torture. The organisation provides legal information and tailored support to help them navigate the protection procedure. Victims of torture are entitled to specific procedural guarantees. NANSEN ensures that these rights are respected throughout their application process.

On 24 June 2025, EMN Belgium participated in the Polish Presidency Conference on countering irregular migration. The discussions examined this phenomenon from three perspectives: strengthening the EU’s external borders to prevent irregular entries, combating migrant smuggling to dismantle criminal networks, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration and providing safe and legal alternatives.

This high-level conference will provide panel discussions among EU Member States’ ministries, the European Commission, EU agencies, national stakeholders, international organisations, and third-country officials to exchange views on tackling irregular migration, border management, countering migrant smuggling, and addressing root causes of migration.

World Refugee Day is celebrated every year on 20 June to recognise the situation of refugees worldwide. The day aims to raise public awareness and foster understanding of the challenges faced by displaced people. Various testimonies, events, and initiatives take place internationally and in Belgium. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees.