Under Regulation EU No 439/2010, EASO was established in 2010 as a centre of expertise on asylum, contributing to the implementation of CEAS. To this end, EASO plays a key role in:  

		Managing the exchange of information and best practices;
		Ensuring transparency and convergence in the assessment of protection needs;
		Monitoring developments;
		Building capacity in countries and developing material to train and develop experts; and
		Providing operational and technical assistance to Member States where asylum and reception systems are under particular pressure.

As part of the CEAS reform, the European Commission presented a proposal on 6 April 2016 for a new regulation to transform the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) into a fully-fledged agency, the EU Asylum Agency (EUAA).

The proposed regulation for the EU Asylum Agency aims to strengthen and expand the mandate of the agency in providing technical and operational support to EU+ countries. Within its new role, the agency would further: 

		Play an active role in promoting practical cooperation and information exchange among EU+ countries;
		Monitor the operational and technical application of CEAS;
		Promote operational standards on asylum procedures, reception conditions and protection needs;
		Foster harmonisation in the assessment of applications for international protection across EU+ countries;
		Play an important role in developing and providing training to members of its own staff, members of national administrations, courts, tribunals and national services responsible for asylum matters in Member States;
		Provide analysis of the situation in countries of origin and develop guidance notes; and
		Providing technical and operational support to EU+ countries facing disproportionate pressure on their asylum systems.

 
Currently, EASO provides different types of support to EU+ countries, policy-makers in Europe and third countries, including: 

To achieve these ends, EASO works in close cooperation with other EU institutions and agencies, international and regional organisations, civil society organisations and third countries. While the scope of EASO’s activities is multifaceted, highlights in this section are provided for seven key areas: a) operational support; b) enhancing quality standards in national asylum systems; c) third country information and guidance; d) providing information and analysis; e) training; f) external cooperation and third country support; and g) cooperation with key stakeholders, including EU institutions, partner EU agencies, international organisations and civil society organisations.

For more detailed information on EASO’s activities, work programme and budget, please refer to the EASO Annual General Report (forthcoming). For EASO’s governance documents, please refer to the EASO website.