In 2008-2009, the EMN undertook the comparative study “Policies on reception, return and integration arrangements for, and numbers of, unaccompanied minors”. This study provided a comprehensive overview of (Member) States’ policies and practices relating to different elements of the migration process affecting unaccompanied minors, such as entry procedures, the asylum process, reception and integration arrangements as well as return, and can be consulted via the following link.

This 2014 update aims to inform about changes in (Member) State’s policies and practices that have occurred after 2009, as well as to provide new comparable statistics. The update also aims to fill knowledge gaps identified by the previous EMN report.

The different National reports were prepared on the basis of a common template to ensure, to the extent possible, comparability.

On the basis of all national Contributions a Synthesis Report is produced by the EMN Service Provider in collaboration with the European Commission and the EMN NCP’s. The Synthesis Report gives an overview of the topic in all (Member) States.

This 2014 update provides data and information on:

• Motivations and circumstances of UAMs for entering the EU.
• Entry and assessment procedures and border controls for UAMs.
• Reception arrangements, including integration measures for UAMs.
• UAMs that go missing / abscond from reception facilities.
• Arrangements for UAMs when turning 18 years of age.
• Return practices, including reintegration of UAMs.