Publishing of EASO Asylum Report 2021 was followed by an online event held on 29 June 2021, during which key developments and findings in international protection during 2020 were presented
As a key development element in the area of international protection, the EASO Report singles out the pandemic caused by COVID-19, which highlighted the weaknesses and strengths of the international protection system in the European Union. The Report emphasizes in particular the rapid adaptation and implementation of innovative solutions in order to overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19 and to maintain the continuous work of the authorities responsible for the international protection procedure. The adjustment of working conditions in epidemiological circumstances largely relied on the digitization of certain procedures, which accelerated the implementation of digital technologies in the procedure for international protection. The pandemic also highlighted the weaknesses of the international protection system notably in terms of reception conditions, while the restriction of mobility and travel caused low returns to countries of origin, implementation of resettlement and reduced Dublin transfers.
In relation to the presented statistical data, it was especially emphasized that during 2020, the number of first-instance decisions made exceeded the number of new applications for international protection. Also, during 2020, the lowest number of applications for international protection in the European Union since 2013 was recorded.
The full Report and more information can be found
here.
Image source: EASO
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