European Parliament calls for more EU border guards
The European Parliament has called for an expansion of the EU's border protection authority. However, concerns over jurisdiction are giving many member states reason for pause.
Belgium
EU cities and regions in migrant integration initiative
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and other four large associations of European entities (AER, CPMR, CEMR, Eurocities) have launched an initiative called "Cities and Regions for the Integration of Migrants" to work together on European policies for migrant integration.
EU looks to expand coast guard by 2027
The expansion of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex will be gradual, but slower than what was initially proposed. It still has to be approved by the EU parliament and member states.
Amnesty and Council of Europe criticise decision on Sophia
Amnesty International and the Council of Europe criticized the agreement by European countries on Operation Sophia, which will be extended for six months without naval support. Amnesty International called the decision "an outrageous abdication of EU governments' responsibilities." Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatocvic expressed "regret for the fact that this will lead to an even greater reduction of naval units in the Mediterranean."
Brussels concerned over lack of solution to disembarkations
Following the case of the ship Mare Jonio run by the NGO Mediterranea, the European Commission has renewed its appeal to the EU to urgently find predictable solutions for migrant disembarkations.
'Buried alive' in the heart of Europe: The reality of migration in Belgium
When Belgium signed up to the UN Migration pact in December, the Prime Minister said he wanted to be 'on the right side of history.' At the same time, the government has faced criticism for 'stigmatizing and criminalizing' migrants.
Thousands of migrants arrived through humanitarian corridors
More than 2,000 Syrian refugees alone arrived in Italy, France, Belgium and Andorra in 2018 through humanitarian corridor projects.
Council of Europe releases child-friendly guide to migration
The Council of Europe has released a child-friendly handbook on migration that provides guidelines for professionals working with migrant minors on how to give correct and age-appropriate information regarding their rights.
Belgian PM resigns over migration row
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel handed in his resignation on Tuesday, less than two months after his main coalition partner quit in a row over migration, leaving him leading a minority government.
European Parliament OKs visa proposal for refugees
The European Parliament gave its green light to a proposal to introduce humanitarian visas for refugees in the European Union with the objective of improving the management of the migratory phenomenon.
New proposal to solve landing issue of EU maritime operation 'Sophia'
The European External Action Service has presented a new proposal on the table of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to continue talks on operation Sophia, which reached an impasse on the issue of migrants rescued by the mission's vessels.
Council of Europe calls for better ID of trafficking victims
Luxembourg has made progress in the fight against human trafficking, but needs to adopt further measures to improve identification of victims, said experts at the Council of Europe.