The return of irregular migrants is one of the main pillars of the EU’s policy on migration and asylum. In this light the EMN will conduct in 2017 a study on ‘The effectiveness of return in EU Member States: challenges and good practices linked to EU rules and standards‘. The synthesis report of this study is expected to be published at the end of 2017. The Belgian national report will probably be published at the beginning of 2018.

Today, EASO presented its yearly reference report summarizing key developments that took place in the asylum field in the EU+ in 2016 as well as some more recent data of 2017. The launching of the annual report 2016 brought together a large audience, including journalists.

Today the Commission proposes an action plan to support Italy, reduce pressure and increase solidarity along the Central Mediterranean Route.

The Odysseus Network, with the support of the Belgian Contact Point of the EMN, organizes an evening debate focusing on "Immigrant Integration Policies of Belgian Regions: A Mirror of the Diversity in the EU?"

Today, the restricted Council of Ministers has approved the proposal of the State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration to create a single registration centre for asylum seekers in Neder-Over-Heembeek.

A tribunal in Brussels sentenced eight persons to suspended 15-month prison sentences and a €165,000 fine for trafficking in human beings and degrading treatment.

On the occasion of the United Nations' World Refugee Day, the European Commission is today releasing the 'EU Skills Profile Tool for Third-Country Nationals'. The tool is meant to support early identification of the skills of refugees, migrants and other third country nationals

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to collect evidence, experiences, data and opinions to support the evaluation of the existing EU legal framework for the legal entry and stay of nationals of non-EU countries to the EU Member States. The deadline is 18 September 2017. 

Today, the Belgian Louise-Marie frigate departed from the port of Zeebrugge, starting its deployment in the Mediterranean sea in the framework of the EUNAVFOR MED – Sophia operation. The deployment will last until 28 July.

The Estonian Contact Point of the EMN will host the EMN Annual Conference entitled “The EU in the Global Race for Talents: Challenges and Solutions in Strengthening EU’s Competitiveness” on 21-22 September 2017 in Tallinn. It is part of the official programme of the Estonian EU Council Presidency.

Justice and Home Affairs Ministers met on 8 and 9 June 2017. Home Affairs issues included the reform of the CEAS, European travel information and authorisation systems, Schengen information system, Information systems interoperability and return policy. The protection of children in migration was also put forward.

Today, the Belgian State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration and the German Minister of Foreign Affairs signed a letter of intent to increase the cooperation of the two countries regarding monitoring beneficiaries of international protection who travel to their countries of origin.

An ordinance of the Joint Community Commission of Brussels - which was published in the Belgian Gazette today - establishes a mandatory integration programme for newcomers in Brussels. 

On the 24^th and 25^th of May, the Maltese EU Presidency hosted the EMN Annual Conference. This edition focused on the interesting topic of the reform of the Common European Asylum System.

As from today, potential victims of trafficking are issued an annex 15 valid for 45 days during the reflection period, following modification of article 61/2 §2 of the Immigration Act.