This conference will explore European and Dutch experiences in supporting the early integration of applicants for international protection, with a particular focus on employment, language learning and cultural orientation. Drawing on the findings of a new EMN Inform, the event will bring together policymakers, experts and practitioners to discuss different national approaches, implementation challenges and good practices across Europe.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled on the compatibility of a national residence requirement with EU equal treatment rules. The Court examined whether a 10-year residence condition could be applied to beneficiaries of international protection in order to access a social benefit. It found that the measure constitutes indirect discrimination prohibited under EU law.

DUO for a JOB has launched a national awareness campaign highlighting the persistence of discrimination in recruitment processes in Belgium. The initiative uses the format of the well-known game “Guess Who?” to illustrate how candidates may still be excluded on the basis of appearance, name, origin or accent rather than skills. The campaign is being rolled out in May across public spaces, including stations and metro networks in several Belgian cities.

Coastal rescue services along the Belgian North Sea are being briefed on how to respond to increased small boat activity linked to attempted irregular crossings towards the United Kingdom. The sessions aim to strengthen awareness and improve coordination with relevant authorities ahead of the start of the beach surveillance season.

Based on data released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 7.900 deaths or disappearances were recorded on migration routes worldwide in 2025. This compares with approximately 9.200 recorded in 2024. The figures bring the cumulative total to more than 80.000 deaths or disappearances recorded since 2014, when the Missing Migrants Project began collecting data.

Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt is carrying out a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The visit takes place in the context of a marked increase in asylum applications from Congolese nationals in Belgium in recent years. The mission aims to discourage unfounded asylum applications, address the misuse of visa procedures, counter document fraud and misleading messages from smugglers, and strengthen cooperation on return and the fight against irregular migration. 

On 20 March 2026, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a draft law that would link the level of social assistance granted to beneficiaries of subsidiary and temporary protection to their participation in integration efforts through the Individual Social Integration Project (ISIP). Under the proposal, the amount of social assistance could be adjusted depending on the efforts made by the beneficiary to integrate.

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.

From 1 January 2026, the Onder1Dak project, which promotes co-housing between private homeowners and recognised refugees in Flanders, has restarted following renewed support from the Flemish Minister for Civic Integration and Integration. The initiative aims to facilitate access to housing while supporting the social and professional integration of recognised refugees.

On 23 December 2025, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved a draft law linking social assistance to integration efforts. For recognised refugees, the draft law foresees that the Individual Social Integration Project (ISIP) should include, at a minimum, participation in an integration path. Other newcomers, including third-country students and economically inactive EU citizens, would now need to have legally resided in Belgium for five years before becoming eligible for social assistance.

EMN Portugal’s 2025 Conference will focus on the specific challenges arising from international protection and the integration of beneficiaries. The event will bring together researchers, government agencies, social partners and private sector representatives to exchange knowledge and explore innovative policies and practices. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss national experiences and share successful approaches adaptable to various contexts.

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.

This conference will draw on international and Irish expertise on integration to support an understanding of Ireland in a European policy context and to share evidence about what works in integration policymaking. Included will be both national and local perspectives on Irish integration.

The EMN Finland Conference 2025 will examine the changed operating environment of immigrant integration in Finland, as well as the challenges and opportunities it presents. The conference will have a special focus on early-stage integration services and their impact on immigrant integration and employment.

This conference, organised by the scientific staff of The Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR), will center on the integration processes of refugees and socially disadvantaged migrants, access to citizenship, and the impact of naturalisation on integration. It will also analyse the way different administrations organise and manage the integration and naturalisation processes, particularly for refugees.

On 31 October 2025, the European Migration Network (EMN) released its latest Inform highlighting how 25 EMN Member and Observer Countries are addressing access to education for migrant children. The report shows that nearly all participating countries have adopted national measures to support linguistic, social, and emotional integration in schools. Despite persistent barriers, such as language difficulties and unequal learning outcomes, good practices are emerging across Europe, according to this Inform.

Organised by the Czech National Contact Point of the European Migration Network, the conference will explore forthcoming changes and approaches to integration policies across the EU. It will also reflect on the development of integration policy in the Czech Republic and support the definition of a long-term national vision, including the roles of the various actors involved.

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.