SUPPORT IS OUR MISSION

European Asylum Support Office

ISSN: 1977-4818

NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2016

EASO TO FURTHER SUPPORT GREECE & ITALY: NEW OPERATING PLANS FOR ACTIVITIES IN 2017

What’s Inside

EASO’s support for Greece will continue in the course of 2017. On 20 December, EASO and Greece have signed an Operating Plan encompassing all technical and operational assistance to Greece. Support activities foreseen include: support on relocation, support for the implementation of tasks under the EU-Turkey Statement, supporting and enhancing identification and assistance to vulnerable applicants, and support with absorption of EU funds. The new operating plan is to be implemented over a period of 12 months, from January 2017 until December 2017. Read more on EASO's website

What’s Insidef Latest Asylum Trends ......................................... 2

f Consultative Forum Graphic Recording ............. 5

f EU Agencies Forum ............................................ 4

f EASO activities covered by the Special Support Plan for Bulgaria ................................................ 5

f Consultative Forum Graphic Recording ............. 5

f Update on the regional IPA Programme implemented by EASO............. .......................... 6

f Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels ..... 6

f Recent Publications ............................................ 7

f Workshops / Training ......................................... 8

f EASO Important meetings ............................... 9

f EASO upcoming Events ..................................... 11

f Vacancies .......................................................... 12

EASO’s support for Italy will continue and shall be enhanced in the course of 2017.

EASO and Italy have signed a single Operating Plan, on the December 22, encompassing all technical and operational assistance to Italy. With the Operating Plan, EASO will further develop its operation support to Italy by responding to particular pressure on its asylum and reception systems and sustain the full implementation of the EU Asylum Acquis.

EASO’s support outlined in the agreement includes mainly: support with information and registrations of potential applicants, support with handling outgoing Dublin take charge requests, strengthening reception capacity especially with regards to unaccompanied minors, support in the professional development of the staff of Department of Civil Liberties and Immigration, within the Italian Ministry of Interior, as well as in activities in the field of Country of Origin Information (COI). Read more on EASO's website

LATEST ASYLUM TRENDS:

The number of asylum applicants in November 2016 was half the level observed in November 2015.November 2016 it was the third consecutive month with decrease in numbers of lodged applications and the lowest monthly total since May 2015.Since the beginning of 2016, 1.171.138 applications have been recorded in the EU+. This is 6% less than in the same period of 2015 when 1.242.572 applications were lodged.

Top two citizenship of applicants:Syria and Afghanistan In November 2016, 11.295 Syrians applied for international protection in the EU+ . This was 15 % less than the number of Syrian applica-tions recorded in October and the lowest number of Syrian applicants since April 2015.

Read more on >Page 2

NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PRO-TECTION IN THE EU+1

In November 2016, EU+ countries recorded 75 844 applications orinternational protection 2. This was third consecutive month with

decrease in numbers of lodged applications and the lowest monthly total since May 2015.

The number of asylum applicants this month was half the level ob-served in November 2015. Since the beginning of 2016, 1 171 138 applications have been recorded in the EU+. This is 6 % less than in the same period of 2015 when 1 242 572 applications were lodged.

The share of repeated applications (having previously lodged an application in the same EU+ country) rose from 5 % in October to 6 % in November. 4 % of all applicants claimed to be unaccompanied minors (UAMs)3 when lodging an application. 22 % of all UAM appli-cants were Afghan citizens, 12 % Eritreans and 10 % Gambians.

MAIN COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN OF APPLICANTS

Syria and Afghanistan were the top two citi enships of applicants. The third top country of origin changed compared to previous months as Nigeria replaced Iraq. Syria has been the main citizenship of applicants since April 2015. In November 2016, EU+ countries recorded 11 295 Syrian applications, 15 % less than than in the previ-ous month (13 312). The number of Afghan applicants also decreased, to about 7 235 from 10 121. These top-three citizenships together accounted for 32 % of all applications lodged in the EU+. Iraq (5 097) and Eritrean (3 845) nationals ranked in fourth and fifth position while the top 10 of citizenships was completed by Pakistan (3 277), Albania 1 The EU+ is composed of EU28 plus Norway and Switzerland. The share of repeated applicants is the proportion of repeated applicants in the total number of applicants for international protection. The share of claimed UAMs represents the proportion of asylum applicants claiming to be below the age of 18 years in the total number of applicants rather than those assessed to be such after an age assess-ment has been carried out.2 Asylum applications were available for 29 EU+ countries. No data were available for Romania. For Malta and Cyprus weekly estimates fro weeks 45-48 was used as proxy for monthly3 Several EU+ countries have difficulties reporting on claimed UAMs in the framework of the EPS, these figures should therefore be considered as underestimations of the actual proportion of claimed UAMs.

(2 847), Iran (2 071), Bangladesh (1 987) and Guinea (1 732). Except for citizens from Pakistan, Albania and Bangladesh which recorded increases by + 4 %, + 5 % and + 12 % respectively, the number of applicants from other top ten citizenship groups decreased compared to October 2016, with the largest decrease observed among citizens from Iran (- 26 %).

Syria – In November 2016, Syria remained the main country of ori-gin of applicants for international protection in the EU+ with 11 295 applications. This was 15 % less than the number of Syrian applica-tions recorded in October and the lowest number of Syrian appli-cants since April 2015. The share of Syrian applicants in the total of applicants also became smaller, down from 23% in September to 15 % in November. In November 2015, when the asylum influx was at its height, just over 55 000 Syrians applied for international protection in the EU+. Syrian applicants remained widespread throughout the EU+ with 19 EU+ countries counting Syrian nationals among their top-three citizenships of applicants.

Afghanistan – Afghanistan was in second place of the citizenships with most applicants for the eigth consecutive month. The numbers fell for third consecutive month, with a drop of 29 % to 7 235 appli-cations in November. This was the lowest number since May 2015. Afghanistan remained the main citizenship of claimed UAMs (22 %). 12 EU+ countries reported Afghan applicants in their national top-three citizenships.

Nigeria – In November 2016, the number of Nigerian applicants incresead by 6 % to 5 603. Compared to November 2015, about 2 683 more Nigerian applications were recorded in November 2016. Only 3 EU+ countries counted Nigerian applicants among the top-three citizenships, namely Italy, Austria and Ireland.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER page 2.

NOVEMBER 2016

LATEST ASYLUM TRENDS

NUMBER AND TYPE OF DECISIONS ISSUED IN FIRST INSTANCE IN EU+ COUNTRIES

In November 2016, EU+ countries issued 130 542 fi st-instance deci-sions4, about 18 % more than in October 2016 when the highest level since the start of EPS monthly data collection in 2014 was recorded. Compared to October 2015 when 68 654 decisions were issued, the number of decisions almost doubled, demonstrating the increased decision-making capacity implemented in a number of EU+ countries.

The EU+ recognition ate reached 53 % in November, five percentage points lower than in the previous month. More positive decisions granted subsidiary protection (52 % of all positive decisions) than refugee status (48 %). One third of all decisions were issued to Syrian applicants, namely 39 693 decisions, 3 % fewer than in the previous month. For the second consecutive month the recognition rate for Syrian applicants remained at 97 %, with refugee status granted to 44 % and subsidiary protection granted to 66 % of total positive deci-sions.

The number of decisions issued to Afghan applicants increased by 46 % to 20 810. The recognition rate for Afghan nationals was on the 4 Data on these indicators were not yet available for Romania, Malta and Cyprus.

same level as in the previous month: 34 %. Of total positive decisions, 59 % resulted in refugee status and 41 % in subsidiary protection, with an increasing proportion for refugee status throughout the past year.

The number of decisions on Iraqi applications increased by 22 % to 14 526, with a 60 % recognition rate. Most Iraqi applicants were issued refugee status (67 % of all positive decisions). Of 10 citizenships with the most first-instance decisions issued, Eritrea showed the second highest recognition rate (92 %). The lowest recognition rates were observed for Albanian (2 %), Pakistani and Nigerian (7 %) applicants.

CASES AWAITING A FIRST-INSTANCE DECISION

For the second time in 2016, the number of cases awaiting a first-in-stance decision decreased by 7 % to 943 261.4 This slight decrease in pending cases is explained by the continued increase in the number of first-instance decisions issued, combined with a lower number of applications lodged. 54 % of all cases were pending for longer than six months. The largest shares of applicants awaiting first instance decision for longer than six months was observed in Sweden (89 %), Norway (87 %) and Austria (86 %).

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER page 3.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER

The EU Agencies are delivering essential services on the groundfor a relatively small proportion of less than 0.8% of the overall

EU budget, which means that they cost €1.23 euros per EU citizen.

The cost benefit ratio is hence very positive, agencies save national administrations many millions every year, by delivering synergies and preventing duplication of efforts in each Member State.

On 6 and 7 December 2016, EASO attended the EU Agencies Forum organised by the EU Agencies Network, set up as a collective voice enabling a better coordination, information exchange and agreed common positions of shared interest.

Policy makers, representatives of industry, civil society, EU institutions and public administration gathered at the European Parliament for this conference dedicated to the work and contribution of the 45 EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings. High level speakers at the Agencies Forum included Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mairead McGuinness, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kristalina Georgieva, and former President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy.

Delegates agreed that the EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings are crucial for the successful implementation of the EU policies. In addi-tion, the economies of scale and savings generated for EU taxpayers by EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings were also highlighted, as it is more effective to perform a task once at EU level rather than repeat-ing it 28 times at Member State level.

AGENCIES ARE CLOSE TO EU CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES

As well as supporting the top political priorities of the European Un-ion, EU Agencies play an important role in many other aspects of the everyday life of citizens.

IN 32 CITIES ACROSS 24 MEMBER STATES, EU AGENCIES WORK TO IMPROVE THE EU INDUSTRY AND CITIZENS’ LIVES IN MANY WAYS.

It is the case of the European Asylum Support Office currently deploy-ing over 300 staff in around 20 locations in Italy and Greece. They are working to support the implementation of the EU Relocation Pro-gramme and EU-TR Statement. EASO has an important role in better managing the Common European Asylum System.

AGENCIES ARE COST EFFECTIVE AND SAVE MONEY

The 45 EU Agencies and Joint Undertakings make a vast contribution to the economic and political development of the European Union ac-cording to two new studies presented during the EU Agencies Forum. The studies highlight that while the EU Agencies represent less than 0.8% of the EU’s annual budget their contribution has widespread impact at citizen, industry and policy level.

Overall, the 2015 budget of the EU Agencies represents less than 0.8% of the EU’s annual budget, while creating significant efficiencies and delivering value for EU citizens across a wide range of policy are-as, according to a report by Deloitte.

A second report commissioned by the European Parliament estimates that it would cost Member States up to €200 million a year to assume the tasks currently done by just seven of the 45 agencies.

EU AGENCIES FORUM: THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION OF EU AGENCIES AND JOINT UNDERTAKINGS TO CITIZENS AND ADMINISTRATIONS

page 4.

FEATURES

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER

EASO ACTIVITIES COVERED BY THE SPECIAL SUPPORT PLAN FOR BULGARIA

STUDY VISIT TO FRANCE FOR BULGARIAN JUDGES AND ASYLUM CASE-WORKERS

In the framework of the EASO Special Sup-port Plan to Bulgaria, a study visit took place from 14-17 November 2016 to Paris, involv-ing representatives of the Bulgarian National Institute of Justice, Supreme Administrative Court, various Administrative Courts and State Agency for Refugees.

Participants visited the National Court of Asy-lum (Cour Nationale du Droit d’Asile) includ-ing its Research and Documentation Center, attended hearings of asylum judges, OFPRA (Office Français de protection des refugies et apatrides) and the Conseil d’Etat.

STUDY VISITS ON CLOSED CENTRES

A Bulgarian delegation participated in two study visits taking place in November-December 2016 on the subject of closed

centres accommodating asylum-seekers.

In Belgium, the delegation visited Caricole and Merksplas in order to study the recep-tion services, protocols and the regime of the facilities.

The second study visit took place in Hungary on 7 December 2016. The delegation visited the closed centre accommodating applicants for international protection in Kiskunhalas, close to the border with Serbia.

page 5.

FEATURES

Visit to the Conseil d’Etat Caricole

Kiskunhalas

CONSULTATIVE FORUM GRAPHIC RECORDING

The final report of the Consultative Forum will be published on the EASO website in January 2017. Here is the graphic recording of the Forum and its outputs, the word clouds reproduce the feelings mentioned by the participants at the end of the Forum.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER page 6.

FEATURES

UPDATE ON THE REGIONAL IPA PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTED BY EASO

The implementation of the 'Regional Support to ProtectionSensitive Migration Mangement in the Western Balkans (WB) and

Turkey’ (the “IPA Programme”) started on the beginning of 2016.

This new External Dimension programme is financed by the Instru-ment for Pre-accession Assistance and is a three year regional project (36 months), with Frontex as lead implementing organisation and EASO, UNHCR and IOM as partners.

The overall objective of the Programme is to develop a comprehensive migration man-agement system in seven IPA beneficiary countries, namely Albania, Bosnia and Her-zegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey, in line with EU standards.

As previously reported, the kick-off confer-ence for the IPA programme was held in Bel-grade on 9-10 March 2016 and gathered the stakeholders of this regional programme.

The main activities implemented by EASO in 2016 are two Regional Seminars and one Regional Training in the Train-the-Trainer format in the EASO Interview Techniques module. The first EASO Regional Seminar was on Identification of Persons with

Special Needs and it took place on 3-4 November in Montenegro.

Its objective was to improve identification practices in national admin-istrations of the WB by increasing skills in identifying vulnerable per-sons. EASO also presented the Tool for Identification of Persons with Special Needs (IPSN tool). The second EASO Regional Seminar took place on 5-6 December in Albania (Tirana) and presented the EASO’s

COI Methodology and common EU best prac-tices. The second day of the seminar focused on the important Countries of Origin.

In addition to the above-mentioned region-al activities, EASO has prepared a national Roadmap to identify and address the needs of the authorities in the former Yugoslav Repub-lic of Macedonia in relation to international protection. This work will continue in 2017, as will the preparation of a similar Roadmap for Serbia.

EASO has also participated in several missions in cooperation with its implementing partners Frontex, UNHCR and IOM, most recently to conclude the first round of National Steering Committee meetings in the WB countries. A Regional Steering Committee meeting, to gather all the WB countries as well as Turkey, is planned for March 2017.

EASO ATTENDED THE JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS COUNCIL IN BRUSSELS

EU Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs met in Brussels on8 and 9 December 2016 to discuss the implementation of

measures relating to migration and the reform of the common Euro-pean asylum system as well as addressing the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

During his intervention, EASO’s Executive Director, Jose Carreira, has provided a clear overview of the operational needs in terms of Member States experts, and detailed a num-ber of actions undertaken by EASO in order to tackle the situation of lack of experts on the ground and to ensure the proper execution of operational activities.

Mr. Carreira held that: “It is important to stress that EASO has done and has been doing its part to address the lack of experts on the ground. Despite the limited means

currently at our disposal, especially in terms of human resources, we have come up with innovative ways and solutions in order to tackle the current situation of lack of experts on the ground and to ensure the proper execution of operations.”

As regards the Security situation in the Hotspots, EASO reviews the security situation periodically with a view to communicate to Member States on a weekly basis. EASO is also recruiting additional security officers, but taking into account the fragile security situation in the Hotspots.

During the meeting it was stressed the need for a stronger police presence in the Hotspots, in order to ensure the operational continuity.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER

PUBLICATIONS

RECENT PUBLICATIONSAFGHANISTAN SECURITY SITUATION

EASO published a Country of Origin Information (COI) Report entitled ‘Afghanistan security situation’. The report is an update of the first version published in February 2015 and provides a comprehensive overview of the security situation in Afghanistan, information rele-vant for the protection status determination of Afghan asylum seek-ers. Until the end of September 2016, Afghanistan ranked 2nd in the top countries of origin in EU+ countries ( ), with more than 150,000 applicants. In addition, the Afghan applications constitute the largest backlog of all countries of origin. By the end of August 2016, there were more than 225,000 pending asylum applications from Afghan nationals in the EU+.

This COI report represents a second update on the security situation in Afghanistan ( ). The report was co-drafted by researchers from the national asylum authorities of Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary and Poland in accordance with the EASO COI Report Methodology. Re-searchers from Greece and Slovakia did supportive research and the report was reviewed and commented upon by COI researchers from Austria, Canada, EASO, Finland, Ireland and UNHCR. The reference period for the security report runs from 1 September 2015 until 31 August 2016.

The report can be downloaded following the link: https://coi.easo.europa.eu/administration/easo/PLib/Afghanistan%20security%20report.pdf

REPORT ON ERITREA - NATIONAL SERVICE AND ILLEGAL EXIT

Report on ‘Eritrea – National service and illegal exit’. The report is an update of the 2015 EASO COI Report Eritrea Country Focus. It provides an overview on aspects related to national service and illegal exit in Eritrea relevant to international protection status determination of Eritrean applicants. In the first ten months of 2016, Eritrea ranked 7th in the top countries of origin in EU+ coun-tries ( ), with a total of 31 416 applicants.

Draft evasion, desertion and illegal exit represent major asylum mo-tives for Eritrean applicants for international protection. The report provides a description of the legal context and practices of national service (covering both the military and civilian branch), including the treatment by the Eritrean authorities of draft evaders and deserters. The report also looks into the legal position and treatment in practice of Eritreans who return to their country after having left it illegally, without an exit visa.

The EASO COI report was drafted by the COI unit of the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The report was written in accordance with the EASO COI Report Methodology and presents information

until 10 August 2016, stemming from publicly available sources and interviews conducted with experts. The report was reviewed by peers from EU Member States.

The report can be downloaded following the link: https://www.easo.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/COI-%20Eritrea-Dec2016_LR.pdf

EASO PUBLISHES GUIDANCE ON RECEPTION CONDITIONS: OPERATIONAL STANDARDS AND INDICATORS

EASO has issued the Guidance on recep-tion conditions: operational standards and indicators. This Guidance represents one of the key measures identified by the Euro-pean Agenda on Migration for the field of reception.

The Guidance focuses on the provision of material reception conditions, notably on the provision of housing, food, clothing, health care, non-food items as well as a daily expenses allowance.

Moreover, it addresses aspects such as information provision and counselling as well as training of staff working in national reception systems.

The standards included in the document reflect existing and common-ly agreed practice across EU Member States, as well as good practices identified across the EU. As such, the Guidance represents a first step and effort to facilitate the application of certain core provisions of the Reception Conditions Directive (RCD).

Most importantly, the Guidance has been developed for the regu-lar functioning of the reception system. Situations falling under an emergency framework, such as for example the use of the provisions of Article 18(9) RCD on emergency housing, fall outside the scope of this Guidance. Further standards and indicators on specific provisions of the RCD will be developed by EASO in 2017. The development process of the Guidance followed a consultative approach, aiming at gathering the broadest possible spectrum of expertise from Member States as well as other relevant actors in the field of reception.

The draft document was developed by a working group of experts from EU Member States while counting with the support of a refer-ence group consisting of the European Commission, the Fundamental Rights Agency and the United Nations High Commissioner for Ref-ugees. Moreover, members of the EASO Consultative Forum were invited to provide their views on the document. Lastly, all 28 members of the EASO Network of Reception Authorities were invited to provide their input to the document prior to its adoption by the EASO Man-agement Board at its 22nd Meeting in September 2016.

The report can be downloaded following the link: https://www.easo.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EASO%20Guidance%20on%20reception%20conditions%20-%20operational%20standards%20and%20indicators%5B3%5D.pdf

page 7.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER page 8.

WORKSHOPS / TRAINING

BIG DATA AND EARLY WARNING OF ASYLUM-RELATED MIGRATION

In the framework of the Research Programme on the Push and Pull Factors of Asylum-Related Migration, EASO organised an internation-al workshop bringing together the organisations using big data in migration- related research.

The workshop on Big Data and Early Warning of Asylum-Related Mi-gration took place on December 5 at the Management Centre Europe in Brussels and was attended by about 80 experts from EU institutions and agencies, international organisations, asylum bodies, academia, think-tanks and civil society .

The aim of the workshop was to obtain an overview of existing pro-jects, and to understand potential applications of big data but also the relevant challenges and limitations.

The workshop was divided in four sessions.

f Session 1 illustrated the contents of the workshop and included presentations by EASO and DG Research of the European Commission.

f Session 2 focused on the use of big data and social media for understanding migration, and included presentations by Frontex, IOM, UNHCR, and the University of Georgetown.

f Session 3 focused on the potential of big data for migration monitoring and early warning, and included presentations from the European Space Agency, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, the UNHCR, and the University of Milan.

f Session 4 was aimed at reappraising the contents of the workshop, and included a panel discussion between experts from Eurostat, the OECD, and the University of Leiden.

The workshop was closed with a general discussion and some concluding notes from EASO. More information on the workshop results will be soon available on a dedicated page of the EASO website.

EASO COI CONFERENCE ON ONLINE RESEARCH

On 23 and 24 November 2016, EASO organised a conference on COI online research tools, strategies and techniques. During the event, expert trainers gave hands-on workshops in which the latest developments in online applications, such as Facebook, Google, and the Internet Archive, were discussed and tried.

Since there was a wide interest among EU+ countries( ) to get in-depth training on online research related to the topics of security and potential exclusion profiles, the workshops included research on profiles with a link to armed groups, terrorist organisations, or to events that potentially qualify as war crimes, crimes against humanity or other severe crimes.

52 Participants took part in the conference and the feedback on the workshops has been considered to be very good.

EASO COI SPECIALIST NETWORKS

On 22 and 23 November 2016, the kick-off meeting of a new COI specialist network on West Africa took place. 14 COI researchers from EU+ countries( ) participated in the workshop, which was aimed at enhancing the knowledge, sharing information and informing each other of planned COI activities on West African countries.

Three external experts were invited to provide information on several themes. Prof. Leonardo de Villalon gave information on the radicalisation of Islam in relation to the security situation, Prof. Elizabeth Donnelly (Chatham House) gave insight in the organisation and actions of Boko Haram and in the security situation in Nigeria, and Amandine Bollinger, UNICEF West Africa, presented information on the phenomenon of early/child marriages in several countries.

In addition, Norway and France gave presentations on their recent reports and fact-finding missions to Mali, resp. Nigeria. There was ample time for discussions and exchange of experiences and knowledge. The workshop was very positively evaluated by participants.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER

IMPORTANT MEETINGS HELD AT EASO

WOLFGANG SOBOTKA, AUSTRIAN FEDERAL MINISTER OF INTERIOR, VISITED EASO HEADQUARTERS IN MALTA, VALLETTA

On 2 December, José Carreira, Executive Director of EASO,welcomed the Austrian Federal Minister of Interior, Wolfgang

Sobotka, and his team to EASO headquarters in Valletta, Malta.

During the meeting, EASO presented the most important aspects related to the activities and policies it implements as an important actor of European Solidarity, fostering greater cooperation with and between Member States.

Important topics were discussed on bilateral level, such as the latest asylum trends, EASO’s operational activities in Greece and Italy, status and recent dynamics of the EU Relocation Programme, Member State experts needed on the ground, as well as further development, envisaged for EASO in 2017.

EASO’s Executive Director, José Carreira thanked the Austrian Minister for his visit and for the valuable work which Austrian experts have been conducted while deployed for EASO in Italy and Greece.

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON EASO ACTIVITIES ON CHILDREN

On 5-6 December 2016, EASO organised in Malta the fourthAnnual Conference on EASO activities on children, with the

participation of EU+ States, the European Commission, UNHCR, the Council of Europe, as well as organisations of civil society (Child Circle; Defence for Children, ECRE, ICRC, IOM, Missing children Europe, NIDOS, Unicef).

The Conference focused on the review and the evaluation of EASO’s activities undertaken in the field during the current year, on discussions on support tools, and strategic planning for the efficient and productive organisation of work in 2017 and beyond. It included an in depth reflection on the thematic of situation of children in the current context of high influx from various perspectives.

The Conference was structured into three different sessions:

f The first session ‘Evaluation and Strategic planning of EASO activities on children’ was devoted to a strategic evaluation and brainstorming on EASO’s upcoming activities on children and discussions on the 2017 work programme. This session was restricted to participants from Member States and Associated Countries, the EU Commission, UNHCR and the Council of Europe.

f The second and third session focused on situation of children in the current context of high influx and relevant stakeholders from civil society organisations were invited to join in the meeting. The second session consisted of presentations on the international and national responses to the topic.

f On the second day, the third session was devoted to discuss more in depth the relocation process, with presentations from MS directly involved in the relocation of children, including unaccompanied minors. This session closed with a presentation about the worrying phenomenon of children’s disappearance all over the EU, as well as possible measures to prevent and respond to this problematic issue.

The full report of the Conference will be shortly available for consultation on the restricted online platform for the EASO Network on Children Activities

If you require further information, please contact us on the following e-mail address: Vulnerablegroups@easo.europa.eu

page 9.

“ EASO has been conducting excellent work in the field and

has worked relentlessly to overcome various challenges and to do its part in the implementation of

the EU-TR Statement Minister Sobotka

During his visit, Minister Sobotka was accompanied by Mag Wolfgang Taucher, Director of the Federal Asylum Agency and Chairman of the EASO Management Board.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER

EASO' IMPORTANT MEETINGS

VISIT OF DG FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Director General for European Affairs at the German Foreign Office, Mr Martin Kotthaus meeting @EASO Executive Director Jose Carreira on December 1

VISIT OF HIGH COMMISSIONER OF CANADA

Peter McGovern, the Canadian High Commissioner to Malta meeting @EASO Executive Director Jose Carreira on December 1

VISIT OF EUSR FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr Stavros Lambrinidis visited EASO on December 5

VISIT OF HU STATE SECRETARY

Hungarian State Secretary Mr. Szabolcs Takács visited EASO on December 5

VISIT OF DUTCH DELEGATION

Visit of Dutch delegation to @EASO headquarters in Malta on December 21. EASO thanks NL for its experts supporting EASO’s work in Greece and Italy.

page 10.

EASO’S Executive Director met Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Brussels On December 14The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for a successful meeting of the European Council, he recognised the good work of EASO and expressed his support for the future asylum agency.

UPCOMING EVENTS

11 JAN Brussels based journalists visit EASO

WED

12 JAN13 JAN

First Asylum Intervention Pool (AIP) National Contact Points (NCP) meetingsTHU

-FRI

23 JAN Czech Senate Delegation Visits EASO

MON

24 JAN EASO attends LIBE COMMITTEE meeting

25 JANOfficial Launch of the Migration Media Award for Journalistic Excellence on MIgration, Asylum, Diasporas, Refugees and more on both sides of the Mediterranean, Brussels, Brussels Press ClubW

EDEASO UPCOMING EVENTS / VACANCIES

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER page 11.

TUE

THU

-FRI 26 JAN

27 JAN

Informal meeting of the ministers of Justice and Home Affairs EU, Valletta, Malta - The aim of the meeting is for the Ministers to discuss immigration, security as well as Criminal and Civil Justice matters.

EASO -FRONTEX Joint Management Board MeetingTUE

-W

ED 7 FEB8 FEB

VACANCIES

Reference Nr. Title Closing Date

EASO/2016/TA/022 Head of Administration Department (AD 12) 23 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/TA/016 Head of Human Resources Unit (AD 10) 23 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/TA/021 Procurement Officer (AD 6) 18 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/TA/008 Logistic Officer (AD 5) 18 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/TA/020 Senior Finance / Budget Officer (AD 7) 18 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/TA/019 Head of Finance Sector (AD 8) 18 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/TA/014 Head of Procurement Sector (AD 8) 18 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/TA/018 Data Protection Officer (AD 5) 16 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

EASO/2016/CA/011 Communication Officer - Social Media Monitoring (FG IV)

16 Jan 2017 - 13:00 Brussels time

For more information please visit our website www.easo.europa.eu/about-us/vacancies

EASO UPCOMING EVENTS / VACANCIES

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER page 12.

© European Asylum Support Office, 2016.Neither EASO nor any person acting on its behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

Your opinion is important to us! Visit the EASO consultation calendar, to keep updated on when EASO will open consultation p ocedures:

www.easo.europa.eu/easo-conservative-forum/open-consultations

EASO is on Facebook. Follow us and receive updates on EASO activities by liking our page: www.facebook.com/easo.eu / twitter.com.easo EASO Facebook page on Relocation: www.facebook.com/EU-Relocation-Programme

Subscribe to the EASO Newsle� er via: www.easo.europa.eu/news/newsletter

EASO Website Visit EASO’s website on www.easo.europa.eu for the latest updates

SUPPORT IS OUR MISSION

European Asylum Support Office

BZ-AA-14-023-EN

-N