Since 13 November 2014 and until May 2015, Belgium is chairing the Committee of Ministers, the political decision making organ of the Council of Europe. Under the Belgian Presidency, migration and asylum will be part of the issues tackled.

In November 2014, Belgium will welcome 75 Syrian refugees who have fled violence and war in their country. The refugees concerned are particularly vulnerable, including families and minors.

Every month, the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless persons (CGRS) publishes a document providing the statistics on asylum applications and first instance decisions.

Every month, the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless persons (CGRS) publishes a document providing the statistics on asylum applications and first instance decisions.

This is the July-August edition of EASO’s Newsletter. The newsletter provides information on the most recent EASO publications and activities.

On July 7, a press conference was held with Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and EASO's Executive Director entitled: 'EASO Annual Report on the Situation of Asylum in the European Union in 2013' and 'Latest Asylum Trends in Europe'.

The consultation, which runs over 12 weeks and closes on 3 July 2014, allows a wide range of stakeholders and organizations to contribute to the development of guidance on integrated child protection systems.

In the light of a recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU, the Commission is proposing to clarify which Member State is responsible for examining applications made by unaccompanied minors.

The Eurostat newsrelease provides information on the annual (final instance) asylum decisions data for 2013 (Eurostat).

The French speaking Court of first instance of Brussels ruled on 19 May 2014 that an Afghan applicant rightly claimed that various organizations (UNHCR, ECRE, Amnesty International…) advocate the suspension of transfers to Bulgaria due to inadequate reception conditions and human rights violations.

This conference focuses on sharing experiences and promising practices to improve the work of professionals dealing with unaccompanied minors and children on the move, in regards to two key aspects: the needs assessment and family tracing.

Every month, the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless persons (CGRS) publishes a document providing the statistics on asylum applications and first instance decisions.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposed " list of safe countries of origin ". Since two years the same seven countries are on the list : Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, FYROM, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and India.

UNHCR "Asylum Trends 2013" says that 612.700 people applied for asylum in North America, Europe, East Asia and the Pacific last year, the highest total for any year since 2001. The report shows how this is primarily driven by the crisis in Syria.

Every month, the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless persons (CGRS) publishes a document providing the statistics on asylum applications and first instance decisions.

The UVCW and El Paso invite actors working with unaccompanied foreign minors in various structures (public centres for social welfare, reception centres etc.) to participate in a multidisciplinary training aimed at providing them with adequate knowledge and skills to assist and enpower this group.

The Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless persons (CGRS) published a document providing the statistics on asylum applications and first instance decisions for the year 2013.

The tragedy in Lampedusa prompted an unprecedented call for action by EU leaders and citizens. On 4 December, the Commission proposed ways to increase solidarity and mutual support in order to prevent migrants' death in the Mediterranean.

The Court refined its case-law on the application of the Dublin Regulation, judging on the responsability of a Member State to examine an asylum application, in case of impossible transfer of the applicant.