European Migration Network

An Agency established in order to help to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), to strengthen practical co-operation among Member States on asylum and to provide and/or coordinate the provision of operational support to Member States subject to particular pressure on their asylum and reception systems.


Related Terms: Common European Asylum System, Eurasil, European Migration Network, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (FRONTEX)


Notes:
1. Its purpose is to:
a) facilitate, coordinate and strengthen practical cooperation among Member States on the many aspects of asylum and help to improve the implementation of the Common European Asylum System;
b) provide effective operational support to Member States subject to particular pressure on their asylum and reception systems, drawing upon all useful resources at its disposal which may include the coordination of resources provided for by Member States under the conditions laid down in this Regulation;
c) provide scientific and technical assistance in regard to the policy and legislation of the Union in all areas having a direct or indirect impact on asylum so that it is in a position to lend its full support to practical cooperation on asylum and to carry out its duties effectively. It shall be an independent source of information on all issues in those areas;
d) carry out its tasks in conditions which enable it to serve as a reference point by virtue of its independence, the scientific and technical quality of the assistance it provides and the information it disseminates, the transparency of its operating procedures and methods, its diligence in performing the duties assigned to it, and the information technology support needed to fulfil its mandate;
e) work closely with the Member States' asylum authorities, with national immigration and asylum services and other national services and with the Commission. The Support Office shall carry out its duties without prejudice to those assigned to other relevant bodies of the Union and shall work closely with these bodies and with the UNHCR.
2. The Office does not have any powers in relation to the taking of decisions by Member States' asylum authorities on individual applications for international protection.

Source:
Reglation (EU) 439/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council (establishing a European Asylum Support Office)