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.

On 3 December 2025 in Stockholm, the EMN Sweden Conference will gather stakeholders to discuss labour shortages and international talent attraction. The event will explore EU and national strategies to address these challenges and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. Policymakers, experts and practitioners will exchange insights, good practices and new research findings.

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 EMN Lithuania Conference will explore how labour migration and integration policies can be better aligned to address Europe’s evolving workforce needs. Bringing together policymakers, experts, and practitioners, the event will examine ways to build coherent and sustainable labour migration systems. Discussions will focus on fair treatment, inclusion, and long-term outcomes for migrants. The conference will highlight the importance of linking policy design with practical integration measures across the EU.

On 18 November, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached an agreement on the creation of a platform designed to facilitate the recruitment of non-European workers. The “EU Talent Pool” will connect employers established in the EU with non-EU jobseekers in sectors where Member States face labour shortages. Participation in the Talent Pool will be voluntary for Member States, and the platform will remain free of charge for both jobseekers and employers.

The EMN Slovakia Conference will focus on how Slovakia can develop effective international partnerships to address labour shortages through fair and sustainable migration. The event will bring together policymakers, experts, employers, and migrant organisations from both EU and non-EU countries to share good practices in managing bilateral labour mobility. Key themes include protecting migrant workers, improving coordination, and ensuring that labour migration benefits all parties involved.

The EMN Cyprus National Conference aims to foster dialogue among policymakers, experts, employers, trade unions, and civil society to discuss how sustainable and effective migration policies can support labour market resilience. The event will serve as a platform to exchange experiences, showcase good practices, and develop practical guidance for national and EU-level policymakers.

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.

This conference aims to facilitate discussion among authorities and experts on labour migration and the response to labour market needs through sustainable and effective migration policies on a national and EU level. Selected institutions and experts will address the labour market trends and workforce needs in Cyprus and the EU, the challenges and opportunities of legal migration pathways for Cyprus, and EU best practices.

The Flemish government has decided that third-country workers – from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – will follow a mandatory tailored integration trajectory from 2027. The initiative, proposed by Minister Hilde Crevits, will be delivered digitally and can be started in the country of origin or within six months of arrival in Flanders. The programme provides essential information on work, rights and responsibilities, and Flemish norms and values. Certain temporary or seasonal workers, students, and holiday-work participants are excluded.

Myria, the Federal Migration Centre, has published a thematic report on economic migration, free movement and students as part of its annual report "Migration in figures and rights 2025". The publication explains trends in labour migration and study-related mobility. It shows that labour migration from outside the EU has slightly decreased, the share of third-country nationals among temporary postings has continued to grow, and student numbers are increasing.

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.

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.