The News Release report on 'Asylum in the EU Member States', as well the Statistics Explained 'Asylum quarterly report for the first quarter 2016 are released. These reports provide information on the number of first asylum applications, first instance decisions and pending cases in the EU.

On 15 June 2016, the European Commission reports on progress made in the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement, adopted a progress report on the relocation and resettlement schemes, adopted its second recommendation identifying steps to restore Dublin transfers to Greece

At the initiative of the State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration, the premiums granted to Afghan and Iraqi nationals who voluntarily return to their country of origin have been temporarily doubled.

Following a proposal from the State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration, the Council of Ministers has approved a draft law and royal decree which aim at giving the right to municipalities to collect administrative fees for the renewal, extension or replacement of some residence permits.

The activity rate for non-EU citizens is lower than for nationals with a higher unemployment rate and a lower employment rate.

The Action Plan aims at supporting Member States in the integration of third-country nationals and their economic and social contribution to the EU. It will be accompanied by a legal proposal to reform the rules on highly skilled migrants coming to the EU to work.

Today, the Council of Ministers has approved the proposal of the State Secretary for Asylum Policy and Migration to gradually reduce the Belgian reception capacity.

An EU directive to harmonise EU entry and residence rules to make it easier and more attractive for people from third countries to study or do research at EU universities.

Today the Council of the EU agreed its negotiating position on the proposed Regulation to revise the suspension mechanism to be applied to all existing visa liberalisation agreements.

Today the Commission is reporting on progress in the fight against trafficking in human beings. The report presents trends, progress and challenges in this field. Efforts must be stepped up to effectively fight this phenomenon.

How fundamental rights have been applied in the European migration policy in 2015 ? This is one of the question addressed by the report.

The Commission has today proposed a Recommendation, to be decided upon by the Council, to prolong proportionate controls at certain internal Schengen borders for a maximum period of six months.

The new directive regulates the use of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data in the EU. Its main objective: the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime.

The news release covers main trends on the registration of unaccompanied minors among asylum seekers in the EU in 2015.

The Commission finds that good progress has been made to implement the EU-Turkey Statement.

The News Release covers main trends on first and final instance decisions on applications for international protection and on Resettled persons, for the complete 2015 year, in the EU28+ EFTA region.

Today the European Commission is launching the process for a reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and developing safe and well-managed pathways for legal migration to Europe.

The EU and Turkey have found an agreement in order to end irregular migration from Turkey to the EU.

Today, the Commission is reporting on the implementation of the temporary emergency relocation schemes and the European resettlement scheme. The report summarises the challenges and proposes recommendations to improve the implementation of these schemes.

The Council conclusions on migrant smuggling were adopted by the Council at its 3455th meeting held on 10-11 March 2016

Today the Commission proposes a new Emergency Assistance Instrument for faster crisis response within the EU.

Today, the Commission confirmed that Greece is in the process of returning 308 irregular migrants to Turkey, as the EU steps up its efforts to ensure that those who do not qualify for international protection will be quickly and effectively returned to their countries of origin or transit.

Today 27 February, numerous platforms and citizens came together for a European March in more than hundred cities in 28 countries, including Brussels where 3000 persons expressed support for the initiative.

Today, the Belgian government approved the plan for the distribution of asylum seekers over the different municipalities of the Kingdom. It will enter into force on 1 May 2016.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council of 25/02/2016 discussed the current migratory situation, including the monitoring of implementation of the measures already agreed at recent meetings of the European Council and Justice and Home Affairs Council.