EMN Belgium participates in EMN Luxembourg thematic meeting: “Ensuring the best interests of the child in the implementation of the Pact”
On 25 June 2026, the Belgian Contact Point to the European Migration Network (EMN) participated in the third thematic meeting on children in migration, organised jointly by the Luxembourgish Contact Point to the EMN and the OKaJu (Ombudsman for Children in Luxembourg – Ombudsman fir Kanner a Jugenlecher). The aim of the conference was to discuss the best interests of the child in the context of the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The event brought together various stakeholders from 24 countries, as well as several international organisations and networks, both online and in person.
The event began with a series of presentations on the implementation of the Pact, with a focus on children from an EU perspective. The European Commission provided a comprehensive overview of the new safeguards for children in the Pact and highlighted the challenges related to its implementation. The European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) delivered a presentation on the independent monitoring mechanism in the framework of the Screening Regulation and shared recommendations for its effective implementation. The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) presented the tools and guidance it has developed regarding children in migration. Key issues raised included the complex roles of the guardian and the temporary representative within the framework of the screening, as well as the interpretation of the ‘best interests of the child’ principle in the context of the border procedure and the possibility of detention during screening and border procedures.
The session was followed by a presentation from the Spanish Ombudsman on the key findings of the report “Foreign Children in Spain: Alone or Accompanied”. The presentation addressed the administrative obstacles faced by children on the move, including challenges related to the regularisation procedure. The day continued with two roundtable discussions on the best interest of the child and detention of children in the context of the Pact. These discussions provided participants with an opportunity to share experiences and concerns regarding the safeguards for children during the implementation of the Pact, while also fostering connections for continued exchanges of good practices.
The day concluded with a presentation by EMN Luxembourg on the key findings of the EMN Ad Hoc Query on the monitoring of the fundamental rights of unaccompanied minors during the screening process.
The event highlighted the important role of children's ombudsmen and national fundamental rights bodies in safeguarding children's perspectives and promoting a “protection first” approach in the context of children in migration. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on remaining information needs and areas for further exchange and cooperation.
