MEDITERRANEAN: Over 1,000 Recorded Deaths in Central Mediterranean Sea in 2024 ― NGOs Mark Ten Years of Civilian Sea Rescue in Central Mediterranean Sea Amid Accusations of ‘Double Standards’ Surrounding Bayesian Yacht Tragedy ― Human Rights NGO Accuses Cyprus of ‘Secondary Refoulement’ of Syrian Refugees ― Greek Coastguard Warns of Dangerous New Tactics Used By People Smugglers; Stands Accused of Causing Death of Migrant By Firing on Boat ― Third Detention Order for Geo Barents Rescue Ship ― Human Rights Award for Maltese NGO
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated that more than 1,000 people have died or been reported missing in the central Mediterranean Sea since the start of 2024. Civilian search and rescue (SAR) organisations have commemorated the tenth...
AIDA Briefing – Asylum in Europe: The situation of applicants for international protection in 2023
The Asylum Information Database (AIDA) is managed the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) and contains detailed information on asylum procedures, reception conditions, the detention of asylum seekers and the content of international protection in 23...
ATLANTIC ROUTE and SPAIN: Canary Islands Government Accuses Spanish State of Abandoning Its Responsibilities Amid Serious Migration ‘Crisis’; Invites European Commission President to Witness Situation ― Up to 1,500 People Swim to Ceuta ― Spanish Prime Minister Visits West Africa; Signs New Agreements ― Spanish Police Boat Runs Over Migrant Boat Near Melilla
The Canary Islands government has accused the Spanish state of ‘abandoning’ its responsibility towards the archipelago as it faces a serious migration “crisis”, and has invited European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to witness the situation. Up to 1,500...
In Memoriam: Frits Florin (1937 – 2024)
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) is sorry to share the sad news about its co-founder Frits Florin who died on 15 August 2024 aged 87. Frits was the director of the Foundation for Refugee Students (UAF) from 1969 to 1976 and co-founded ECRE in 1974....
Advanced ELENA Course 2024
The 2024 Advanced ELENA Course will take place on 22-23 November in Porto, Portugal. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in European asylum and migration law and to engage with practitioners, academics and decision-makers from...
AIDA Country Report on Serbia – 2023 Update
The updated AIDA Country Report on Serbia provides a detailed overview of legislative and practice-related developments in asylum procedures, reception conditions, detention of asylum seekers and content of international protection in 2023. It also includes an annex...
ECRE Legal Note: The Guarantees of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in Respect of Legal Counselling, Assistance and Representation in Asylum Procedures
ECRE has published a legal note analysing the right to legal aid and legal counselling for asylum applicants under the new Asylum Procedures Regulation (APR). The analysis is focused on the relevant EU law standards in respect of legal aid and legal counselling and...
Asylum and Forced Displacement in the EU Enlargement Process: Contributions to inform the European Commission 2024 Enlargement Package in the area of asylum
ECRE has published the assessment by a number of civil society experts of certain questions related to asylum and forced displacement in the EU enlargement process. These expert contributions are intended to inform the country reports on Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and...