On 22-23 June, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)’s Management Board gathered for its first in-person meeting since the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic in March 2020. The Agency’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI updated members on the Agency’s ongoing response to Russian invasion of Ukraine, the increasing number of national support operations, as well as the situation on asylum in the EU+ area.

Since the last meeting of the Management Board on 7-8 March 2022 (held virtually), the Agency has been providing comprehensive support to EU Member States, as part of Europe’s 10-Point Plan in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This has included weekly situational awareness updates, information provision to the nearly 6 million people who have fled towards the EU – both online and in our national support operations – as well as training on the never-before-used Temporary Protection Directive. Over the last three months, the Agency has signed additional operational plans with several countries, including the Czech Republic and Romania; and is also providing support in a third country for the first time, Moldova.

The Management Board held a discussion on the situation of asylum in the EU+, and adopted the EU Asylum Report 2022, which will be presented to the public on 28 June in Brussels. Members also adopted several strategic documents including the Annual Accounts for 2021 as well as the parallel Consolidated Annual Activity Report 2021. The documents show an Agency that is in good financial health and which has overcome operational challenges linked to COVID-19 to continue to deliver on its objectives and – successfully – prepare its transition towards the EUAA. As part of the continuing transitional work, Ms. Gregori urged board members to nominate national officials to the Asylum Reserve Pool, according to the agreed distribution key.

Finally, the Management Board elected Mr. Dirk VAN DEN BULCK (Belgium) as its Deputy Chair. 

See the meeting agenda.