EMN Asylum & Migration Glossary

The EMN Asylum and Migration Glossary is an online resource of terms related to migration and asylum in Europe, which improves comparability by enabling a common understanding and use of terms and definitions relating to asylum and migration. It draws on a variety of sources, but primarily on the legislation of the EU asylum and migration acquis, and makes terms available in the majority of EU Member States languages.

Since the first publication of the European Migration Network (EMN) Asylum and Migration Glossary in 2010, it has been a valuable resource for practitioners, policy-makers and researchers in the field of migration and asylum. By harmonising EU asylum and migration terms, the EMN Glossary offers an EU-wide multidisciplinary vocabulary of terms and concepts, translated into over 20 languages. 

The EMN Glossary is developed by a dedicated working group which collaborates with the European Commission, EUAA, FRA, Frontex and international organisations, such as UNHCR and IOM. The EMN also cooperates with EU institutions which participate in the EU's terminology database (IATE - Interactive Terminology for Europe), such as the Council of the EU, the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the EU or the Court of Justice of the EU.

The EMN Glossary provides:

  • A clear methodology and sources: the EMN Glossary has established a clear hierarchy of sources: definitions derived from the EU acquis are prioritised but other relevant sources, such as European/international conventions or terminology defined by other EU and international bodies, are also used. Sources are clearly indicated.
  • Synonyms and term relations: where interchangeable terms are available for a single concept, a preferred term is selected and all other possible terms are listed as synonyms. Translations also take into account different national synonyms, indicating variations in EU context or national usage. In cases where EU Member States have the same nominal language, national variations indicate whether a synonym is preferred in a particular country or in the EU context. This should be particularly interesting for translators. Term relations, namely broader terms, narrower terms and related terms, are also taken into account.
  • Notes: complement the definition by clarifying the scope of the concept, its understanding in different contexts, and indicating web sources with further information.
  • User-friendly access: the EMN Glossary is available as an interactive online version, as a free mobile App, and as a printed edition.

The latest version (version 9.0) of December 2022 contains approximately 540 terms. Amendments to existing entries reflect new concepts and terminology, as well as changes in the use of existing terms that have been introduced through new legislation and policy on migration and asylum in the EU.

Interested?

  • Check out the online version here
  • Download the App via the Apple or Android stores (searching for "EMN Glossary")
  • Get your hands on a hard copy by sending an email to emn@ibz.be with your name and postal address (only in Belgium)