While the volume of decisions on applications at first instance remained relatively stable in 2020, the number of decisions issued at second or higher instances decreased by almost one-fifth: from around 300,000 in 2018 and 2019 to about 237,000 in 2020. Similar to previous years, three EU+ countries accounted for more than two-thirds of all decisions which were issued in appeals or review: Germany (42% of total decisions at second of higher instances), France (18%) and Italy (10%). In 2020, more than two in every five decisions at second or higher instances were issued to Afghans, Iraqis, Pakistanis, Syrians and Nigerians, the same pattern which was seen in 2019. 

Legislative and policy changes at second instance in EU+ countries centred around the reorganisation of second instance bodies to enhance specialisation; the suspension of a return during an appeal; and temporary adaptations of written and oral procedures, as well as time limits, due to COVID-19 restrictions.