Eurostat has released available data on asylum applicants and first instance decisions on asylum applications in the European Union in the third quarter of 2014

On 28 November 2014, the new State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration, Theo Francken, delivered the general policy note defining the main orientations and actions in the field of asylum and migration.

On 1 October 2014, the European Commission has released its 31st Annual Report on monitoring the application of EU law in Member States. As far as home affairs and migration issues are concerned, four infringement procedures are open against Belgium.

On the occasion of 25 November 2014 EP Plenary Debate on Migration, EU new Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, introduced the debate and presented the EU main orientations and policy fields for an integrated approach on migration and asylum

The proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, aims at clarifying Member States’ responsibilities for examining the application for international protection of unaccompanied minors

This meeting will discuss the dynamics by which migrants get stuck in low-skilled work, and the role of training and employment services in helping them progress in their occupations.

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.

The 19th International Metropolis Conference 2014 will take place on 3-7 November in Milan. Researchers, policy-makers, international organizations and non-governmental organizations meet to discuss challenges and opportunities of migration flows.

On 11 November 2014, the European Commission has released its 6th bi-annual report on the functioning of the Schengen area covering the period from 1 May to 31 October 2014.

The conference will look into the application of the Charter to immigration and asylum law generally, which will be followed by a presentation from the perspective of the Court of Justice of the EU as to how the Charter has influenced European case law in the area of asylum and immigration.

Eurostat published data on first residence permits issued to non-EU nationals. A residence permit represents an authorization issued by the competent authorities of a country allowing third-country national (non-EU citizens) to stay legally on its territory.

On 20 October 2014, the European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, has opened an investigation into how Frontex ensures the respect of fundamental rights of migrants who are subject to forced returns from the EU to their countries of origin.

18 October is EU Anti-Trafficking Day. To mark the Eight EU Anti trafficking Day, the European Commission has published a package on Trafficking in Human Beings and civil society organizations have launched a European campaign against human trafficking and labour exploitation.

Persons who are interested to obtain this new Certificate and follow the three modules, respectively on (i) Migration, movement and mobility, (ii) Integration and (iii) Diversity and pluralism, should register before 15 October 2014.

The seminar will review available statistical data of migrant and mobile citizens; their use and knowledge of social security rights, especially healthcare and LTC; and the phenomenon of ‘social dumping’ and cross-border social fraud.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting gathering all EU 28 Justice and Home Affairs national ministers took place on 9 and 10 October 2014. A strategic approach and operational priorities have been defined to take action to better manage migratory flows.

The 5 days training programme addresses questions relating to stay, international protection, work and social assistance, and private international law, including nationality.

The main findings of the corresponding EMN study on migrant access to social security in Belgium and of the European synthesis report on migrant access to social security in the EU will be presented. EMN will also welcome well-known experts in the field of migration and social security.

The new government Michel published its coalition agreement on 9 October 2014. Theo Francken (N-VA) was appointed as the new State Secretary for Asylum and Migration.