Changing Influx of Asylum Seekers 2014-2016 (EMN Inform)

This EMN Inform summarizes the main results of the EMN study "Changing influx of asylum seekers 2014-2016".

Background information

The impacts of global migratory movements were felt acutely in Europe during the period 2014-2016. According to Eurostat, more than 600 000 applicants applied for international protection in the EU and Norway in 2014, and this more than doubled to 1.32 million in 2015, a level broadly sustained throughout 2016 (1.26 million applications). Following the 2016 peak, the numbers of applicants for international protection decreased to 705 705 in 2017. The significant increase and subsequent decrease in the influx of applicants for international protection impacted on different (Member) States in different ways.

The EMN study “changing influx of asylum seekers (2014-2016)” provides an overview of the changes to national strategies, approaches and measures in response to these migratory movements. This Inform summarizes the main results from this study.

EMN Inform

  • The 2014-2016 influx of applicants for international protection and other migrants had a profound impact on the EU as a whole, but affected (Member) States in different ways. (Member) States’ authorities have responded in different ways by taking different measures across key areas.
  • Some measures taken were similar across different (Member) States, in particular those enhancing law enforcement and border control and those increasing reception places, immigration service staff and financial resources.
  • Following the general decrease in the influx of arrivals due to national and EU-wide measures taken, (Member) States responded by dismantling or scaling down some of the measures, reassigning staff elsewhere and re-allocating other resources.
  • (Member) States also considered themselves better prepared for future influxes because of the experience gained during 2014-2016 and the emergency and contingency plans put in place as a result.
  • Coordination at different levels of government improved the relevance and effectiveness of measures:
    • between national, regional and local authorities;
    • between government and relevant third parties; and
    • between (Member) States bilaterally and multilaterally (EU-level).
  • Defining clear mandates and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved also improved the effectiveness of measures.
  • Timely sharing of strategic documentation and communication of decisions on measures taken by (Member) States, with the public and media, improved transparency and understanding of the choices made.
Publication Date:
Mon 10 Sep 2018
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