Publication date: 04 June 2026
This Inform, covering developments across 22 EMN Member Countries, as well as Norway and Serbia, explores the use of alternatives to providing in-kind housing for applicants for international protection between January 2020 and October 2025. It examines how such measures were implemented while respecting legal obligations and supporting applicants’ autonomy, addressing their vulnerability, and promoting their integration into society. The Inform focuses on financial allowances and vouchers as alternatives to accommodation provided directly by the state and highlights national approaches and innovative solutions identified across participating countries.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: applicant for international protection, reception condition, financial allowance, voucher, reception directive
Publication date: 10 April 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member Countries plan to change their age assessment procedures in light of Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 on multidisciplinary age assessments. It explores which authorities or external providers are involved in the procedure, and how multidisciplinary teams carry out the assessment in practice. The query also covers how applicants are interviewed and how conclusions are drawn and communicated.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, minor, age assessment, multidisciplinary approach
Publication date: 21 February 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether accommodation centres are included in spatial planning regulations in EMN Member and Observer Countries, and whether exceptions apply during periods of significant increases in asylum applications. It also looks at possible exceptions to zoning rules, environmental impact assessments, and the duration of construction and operative permits. Finally, it explores whether countries have formal guidance or standards for establishing such centres, including aspects like room sizes or site location.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: reception centre, applicant for international protection, urban planning, zoning rules, environmental impact, building standards
Publication date: 21 December 2025
This ad hoc query maps EMN Member Countries’ intended waiting periods for access to the labour market following the implementation of the recast Reception Conditions Directive. It aims to provide a comparative overview of planned national approaches under the EU Asylum and Migration Pact.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, labour market access, waiting period
Publication date: 15 November 2025
This ad hoc query examines whether countries have implemented alternatives to provide housing in kind (for instance, financial support) for applicants for international protection between 2020 and 2025, and if so, under which circumstances and for which target group. The query further explores the implementation of such alternatives, such as the systems put in place to ensure the mandatory provision of services (e.g., legal support, healthcare), and the specific measures to support vulnerable groups. Finally, the query examines whether these alternatives were evaluated through an established evaluation system, and if so, what the key results of these evaluations were.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, reception condition, financial allowance, voucher, reception directive
Publication date: 11 October 2025
This ad hoc query examines where applicants for international protection (and beneficiaries of temporary protection) with special needs are accommodated. When accommodated in regular reception centres, the query explores the services provided in-house and the professionals employed in this regard. When applicants are accommodated in specialised facilities, the placement procedure is examined, including which stakeholders are involved and their respective roles and responsibilities. It also covers how these financial costs are borne.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, beneficiary of temporary protection, special needs, physical health, mental health
Publication date: 06 March 2025
This ad hoc query investigates how healthcare services for applicants for international protection are organised in EMN Member and Observer Countries. It examines which authorities are responsible for providing such services, who covers the costs, and what types of services adult applicants are entitled to. It also explores how applicants access medical treatment, whether reception centres have healthcare personnel on staff, and how healthcare services are managed during a mass influx of migrants.
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Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, access to healthcare
Publication date: 03 January 2025
This ad hoc query looks into the time limit within which an administrative authority may detain, without judicial review, an applicant for international protection or an irregularly staying third-country national who is subject to return.
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Main theme: Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: detention, judicial review, applicant for international protection, irregularly staying third-country national
Publication date: 01 November 2024
This inform provides insights into the governance and processes of accommodation for applicants for international protection in EMN Member and Observer Countries. This governance of accommodation is crucial for responding to challenges, such as fluctuating asylum applications, limited housing capacity, and community relations.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: reception centre, reception facility, accommodation, applicant for international protection
Publication date: 16 September 2024
In collaboration with the Red Cross EU Office and the Swedish Red Cross, this Inform provides an overview of EMN Member and Observer Countries’ guidance and training on early detection and identification of presumed victims of torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in international protection procedures. It outlines procedural safeguards and guidance for asylum authorities when requesting medico-legal documentation in international protection applications, and it also details practices for identifying victims among beneficiaries of temporary protection to provide medical care, in line with the Temporary Protection Directive.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection, Temporary protection
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: victim, torture, ill-treatment, applicant for international protection, beneficiary of temporary protection, Training, medico-legal documentation, mental health, credibility assessment
Publication date: 03 May 2024
This ad hoc query seeks to better understand EMN Member and Observer Countries’ approaches to financial contributions in the context of reception for international protection applicants.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, reception centre, financial contribution
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Through this ad hoc query, the Slovak Republic collects information on EMN Member and Observer countries' experiences in recording data on the vulnerability of applicants for international protection and generating statistical reports related to vulnerability.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, vulnerability, data collection
Publication date: 20 April 2024
This ad hoc query provides comparative information on the implementation of Directive 2013/32/EU on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (recast), the strategies developed by EMN Member and Observer Countries for processing subsequent applications, and reception services offered to individuals who have submitted a subsequent application.
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Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for international protection, subsequent application
Publication date: 26 February 2024
This EMN Inform sheds light on the challenges faced by beneficiaries and applicants for international protection in EMN Member Countries and Serbia as they strive to access autonomous housing. It also provides an overview of the different approaches and strategies employed by these countries to support their access to autonomous housing.
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Main theme: Integration
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: housing, social housing, financial assistance, applicant for international protection, beneficiary of international protection, housing shortage, discrimination
Publication date: 15 October 2023
This ad hoc query examines the challenges faced by applicants and beneficiaries of international protection in accessing autonomous housing and how EMN Member and Observer Countries organise the provision of support to this group.
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Publication date: 03 September 2018
22 (Member) States provided information regarding their definition of the concept of vulnerability and their practices regarding the identification and the care of vulnerable applicants for international protection with special reception needs.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, special needs
Publication date:
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.
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Main theme: Integration
Keywords: applicant for international protection, early integration, employment, language learning, cultural orientation
Publication date:
The Belgian Council of State has suspended the decision of the Minister of Asylum and Migration to limit material reception conditions for applicants for international protection who have already obtained protection in another EU Member State. In its judgment No. 267.364 of 8 July 2026, the Council of State suspended the measure following an urgent appeal introduced by several organisations active in the field of asylum and migration. The decision concerns a measure adopted following the entry into application of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum on 12 June 2026.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: applicant for international protection, material reception condition, limitation, Council of State, suspension
Publication date:
The Minister of Asylum and Migration, the Belgian Immigration Office and the municipality of Nazareth-De Pinte have announced the opening of a new European Return Centre in Nazareth-De Pinte in autumn 2026. The centre will have a capacity of 300 places and will accommodate applicants for international protection for whom another EU Member State may be responsible for examining their application. The facility will complement the existing Centre in Zaventem and aims to support procedures related to transfers to the responsible Member State.
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Main theme: International Protection
Keywords: applicant for international protection, Dublin Regulation, Dublin transfer, return centre
Publication date:
On 20 November 2025, EMN Belgium attended the launch of the annual report "Rechten op de drempel" by the Flemish Children’s Rights Commissioner, on the occasion of International Children’s Rights Day. The report highlights persistent challenges affecting foreign children and young people in reception centres, including disparities in living conditions, safety, hygiene, and access to basic needs.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception
Keywords: child, applicant for international protection, reception centre, minimum standards
Publication date:
On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, NANSEN highlights its work with applicants for international protection who have experienced torture. The organisation provides legal information and tailored support to help them navigate the protection procedure. Victims of torture are entitled to specific procedural guarantees. NANSEN ensures that these rights are respected throughout their application process.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, International Protection
Keywords: applicant for international protection, victim of torture, legal assistance, support
Publication date:
On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the organisation Prisme has disclosed a set of recommendations highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking international protection in Belgium. These findings point to several shortcomings in the reception and asylum system and outline measures to ensure more inclusive procedures.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception, International Protection
Keywords: LGBTQIA+, applicant for international protection, reception centre, special needs, Training, inclusion
Publication date:
During a webinar on 17 September 2024, EMN Member and Observer countries and the Red Cross highlighted key practices and challenges in identifying victims of torture in the context of international and temporary protection. The experience of migrant torture survivors was further examined and ways to address their vulnerabilities were discussed.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups
Keywords: victim, torture, traumatism, applicant for international protection, credibility assessment, vulnerability, special needs
Publication date:
In the 2024 Rule of Law Report, especially in the country chapter on the rule of law situation in Belgium, the European Commission recommends that Belgium takes measures to ensure compliance by public authorities with final rulings of national courts and the European Court of Human Rights, referring in particular to judgments finding the State responsible for not ensuring adequate reception of asylum seekers.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: rule of law, reception, applicant for international protection
Publication date:
This event will convene key stakeholders to facilitate discussions about current challenges and to provide insights on good practices in governing the accommodation of international protection applicants and supporting access to housing for international protection beneficiaries.
