EMN studies provide a comparative analysis of topics of immediate interest to policymakers and other stakeholders related to migration and asylum in the EU. Policy relevant study topics are selected from proposals made by individual or groups of EMN NCPs and/ or the European Commission. EMN studies are elaborated in accordance with uniform specifications in order to achieve comparable results EU-wide. With the help of an external service provider, the European Commission publishes a Synthesis Report summarizing the main findings from the studies prepared by the National Contact Points.

Accurate, timely, interoperable? - Data management in the asylum procedure

The new study of the EMN examines how data are managed in the different phases of the asylum procedure (making, registering, lodging and examining) across the Member States and Norway. It maps data management approaches in the asylum procedure (i.e. data protection and safeguards), examines challenges faced by Member States, and analyses the impact of any procedural changes to enhance data-sharing among asylum authorities (and others). This study reflects the situation and developments in data management in the asylum procedure between 2014 and 2020, the initial three years of which were characterized by very high numbers of applicants for international protection. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on data management in the asylum procedure is also briefly explored. As regards statistics, the period 2014-2019 is covered.

Pathways to Citizenship for Third-Country Nationals in the EU

While the number of new migrants who have arrived in the EU in recent years has increased, the number of individuals granted citizenship of an EU Member State has declined, according to the new European Migration Network (EMN) study. The study provides a comparative overview of access to national citizenship through naturalisation for new migrants from third countries, in 25 EU Members States. It also includes information on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the processing of applications for citizenship.

Comparative Overview of National Protection Statuses in the EU and Norway

EU asylum law determines that people who flee from persecution in their home country should be granted refugee status or subsidiary protection. If a person’s case does not meet all criteria for this type of protection, Member States can step in and offer national protection. The new European Migration Network (EMN) study provides an overview of national protection statuses since 2010 in the EU Member States and Norway, examining the protection grounds, procedures, key rights and content of protection of each type of status.

Migratory Pathways for Start-ups and Innovative Entrepreneurs in the European Union

Over half of the EU Member States consider that attracting and retaining innovative entrepreneurs and start-ups from countries outside the EU will promote a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. What are the main pull factors and requirements for foreign start-up founders and employees? A new study from the European Migration Network reveals good practices and challenges from 25 EU Member States.

Attracting and Retaining International Students in the EU

For Hungary, attracting international students serves the aim of creating a competitive higher education system, as universities have to develop new study programmes and services to be able to receive more foreign students. At the same time, attracting international students is not regarded as an aim of migration policy. Thus, retaining international students is not a policy aim for Hungary. The international students are expected to return to their home countries and spread the good reputation of Hungary and the Hungarian higher education, contributing to the deepening of the scientific, economic and cultural ties of Hungary with the respective third countries in the long run.

Beneficiaries of international protection travelling to their country of origin: Challenges, Policies and Practices in the EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland

A new study published by the European Migration Network (EMN) offers a comparative overview of the experiences and existing practices in the EU Member States* Norway and Switzerland regarding the possible consequences on international protection status for individuals who travel to or contact the authorities in their country of origin.