EU immigration policy

Towards a common European immigration policy - latest news about Immigration Policy in the European Union.

Brussels outlines plan for inclusion of migrants

A new plan on Integration and Inclusion for 2021-2027, unveiled by the EU Commission Tuesday, addresses barriers that hinder participation and inclusion of people with a migrant background in European society.

Action plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027

The European Commission presented on 24 November an action plan on Integration and Inclusion for the period 2021-2027.

Asylum applications to EU on the increase in 2019

Asylum applications in the EU increased in the first five months of 2019, though an annual report out Monday showed a decrease for the third consecutive year in 2018, returning to pre-crisis levels.

New travel authorisation system to screen travellers before entering EU

The EU Parliament gave its green light Thursday to a new travel information and authorisation system intended to screen criminals and terrorists before they arrive in the EU. It should be operational in 2021.

Migration levels in EU continue downward trend

There were 728,470 applications for international protection in the EU In 2017, a decrease of 44% compared to 2016, according to figures from the European Asylum Support Office published Monday.

European External Investment Plan

The EU's External Investment Plan will support more inclusive and sustainable development in Africa and the European Neighbourhood. It will boost public and private investment and thus address some of the obstacles to growth in our partner countries.

Schengen border controls could be extended under new EU plan

The Commission proposed Wednesday that temporary internal border controls under the Schengen Borders Code could be extended in response to increased security and terrorist risks.

EU Court dismisses challenge to migrant quota scheme

The EU Court of Justice dismissed Wednesday cases brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the European Union's provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers.

EU plans better protection for migrant children

With a growing number of children in migration arriving in the EU over the past two years, many without their families, the EU has set out actions to reinforce the protection of migrant children at all stages of the process.

New travel system to tighten security at EU borders

Travellers coming into the EU will have to obtain prior authorisation, and pay a charge, under a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System unveiled Wednesday.

Border controls extended 3 months

The EU has extended controls at certain internal Schengen borders - Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, where controls already take place - for a further three months.

First report on progress towards an effective and sustainable Security Union

The European Commission's first of a series of monthly reports on progress towards an effective and sustainable Security Union outlines EU efforts in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime and the work undertaken to strengthen the EU's resilience against these threats. It also highlights the priority areas where more work is needed and sets out concrete operational measures for the months to come.

Bulgaria to receive EUR 108m for refugee crisis

The European Commission has fast-tracked requests from the Bulgarian authorities for emergency funding of EUR 108m to help the country manage the influx of refugees on its external borders.

Security: EU plan to strengthen external borders

The European Commission set out on 14 September how the European Union can enhance security in Europe by improving the exchange of information in the fight against terrorism and strengthening external borders.

EU confirms agreement on European Border and Coast Guard

The EU confirmed Wednesday a compromise text agreed with the European Parliament on the proposed regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard.

New EU-wide border system moves a step closer

The setting up of an integrated EU border management system moved a step forward Monday as MEPs in committee backed plans for a flagship European Border and Coast Guard agency.

Roadmap Back to Schengen: Commission assessment of Action Plan prepared by Greece

The European Commission adopted on 12 April its assessment of the Action Plan presented by the Greek authorities which details how Greece plans to address the deficiencies in its external border management. Greece’s Action Plan is its roadmap for implementing the recommendations made by the Council on how to address deficiencies identified in the management of Greece’s portion of the EU external border. The Commission's assessment finds that significant progress has been made by Greece but that further improvements to the Action Plan and its implementation are needed in order to comprehensively address the deficiencies identified. Today’s assessment constitutes another stage in the process set out by the Commission on the Roadmap 'Back to Schengen' which seeks to end temporary internal border controls and re-establish the normal functioning of the Schengen area before the end of the year.

New Entry-Exit System for non-EU nationals at EU borders

The European Commission presented on 6 April a revised proposal for a Regulation on the establishment of an Entry-Exit System to speed-up, facilitate and reinforce border check procedures for non-EU nationals travelling to the EU. The Entry-Exit System will modernise external border management by improving the quality and efficiency of controls and support Member States with the increasing numbers of travellers entering and exiting the EU. The legislative proposal is part of the broader 'Smart Borders Package', addressing the role of information systems in enhancing external border management, internal security and the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

Options for reforming the Common European Asylum System

The European Commission launched on 6 April the process for a reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), presenting: options for a fair and sustainable system for allocating asylum applicants among Member States; a further harmonisation of asylum procedures and standards to create a level playing field across Europe and thereby reduce pull factors inducing measures to reduce irregular secondary movements; and a strengthening of the mandate of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). At the same time, the Commission is setting out measures to ensure safe and well-managed pathways for legal migration to Europe.

Implementing the European Agenda on Migration: Commission report

The European Commission reported on 10 February on progress made on measures to tackle the refugee and migration crisis in Italy, Greece and along the Western Balkans Route.

Schengen Evaluation Report on Greece

The College of Commissioners took note on 27 January taken note and discussed a draft Schengen Evaluation Report on Greece, in view of the findings and their significance.

European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa

The European Commission launched on 12 November with other EU Member States and other European donors the EU's Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa.

EU help for refugees

Asylum is granted to people fleeing persecution or serious harm in their own country and therefore in need of international protection. Asylum is a fundamental right; granting it is an international obligation, first recognised in the 1951 Geneva Convention on the protection of refugees . In the EU, an area of open borders and freedom of movement, countries share the same fundamental values and States need to have a joint approach to guarantee high standards of protection for refugees. Procedures must at the same time be fair and effective throughout the EU and impervious to abuse. With this in mind, the EU States have committed to establishing a Common European Asylum System.

European Agenda on Migration - first measures

The European Commission adopted on 27 May the first proposals of its comprehensive approach to improving the management of migration. Following the terrible loss of life in the Mediterranean last month, European leaders made a firm commitment to solidarity amongst Member States to address the common migratory challenges. In these first proposals, the Commission sets out immediate and long-term responses to the migration challenges that Europe faces.

European Agenda on Migration

The European Commission presented on 13 May a European Agenda on Migration outlining the immediate measures that will be taken in order to respond to the crisis situation in the Mediterranean as well as the steps to be taken in the coming years to better manage migration in all its aspects.