In June 2025, MOAS – as a member of the EUAA Consultative Forum – attended the first State of Asylum Conference organised by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) in Valletta, Malta. The event, which gathered high-level policymakers, EU institutions, international organizations, and civil society actors, aimed at addressing the pivotal question: Is EU Asylum at a Crossroads? The conference, attended by around 1,000 participants both in person and online, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of European asylum and migration policy.
Setting the Stage: The Conference Theme
The conference’s central theme, “EU Asylum at a Crossroads?”, resonated deeply with the current climate in Europe. With migration patterns shifting and the geopolitical landscape becoming increasingly complex, the EU finds itself at a crucial juncture. The event aimed to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and share innovative ideas to tackle mounting challenges in asylum and migration, both within the EU and internationally.
Opening the proceedings, EUAA Executive Director Ms. Nina Gregori emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking. She highlighted the newly released EUAA Asylum Report 2025 as a foundation for informed discussion, noting that robust data and analysis are essential for crafting adequate responses to migration and asylum challenges.
Key Discussions: Challenges and Opportunities
Throughout the day, participants engaged in high-level keynote speeches and panel discussions that explored:
- Past and Future Trends in EU Asylum
Looking to the future, the first panel discussion, entitled “Migration and Asylum at a Crossroads: Where do we go from here?” invited high-level European policymakers to reflect on where European migration policy might go next. Mr. Makis VORIDIS, Minister of Migration and Asylum in Greece noted the evolution of the EU’s migration policy as one headed in a stricter direction, concluding that a return policy needs to be a cornerstone of any serious migration strategy. He stressed the need for such a policy to be developed in parallel with the ongoing implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, welcoming the recent Commission proposal for a Regulation for a Common European System on Returns (CESR). Ms. Mari RANTANEN, Minister of Interior of Finland distinguished between labour migration, international protection and the instrumentalisation of migrants, stressing the need for clear rules that address all three phenomena, as well as the need to strengthen European efforts at cooperation with third countries on migration management. In the same panel, Mr. Andi MAHILA, Deputy Minister of Interior in Albania, stressed the need for European countries to remain united and work together, noting that “migration and asylum are not mere challenges, they reflect the values we uphold”. Mr. Michael SPINDELEGGER, Director-General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) concluded by reflecting on the decreasing trend in asylum applications lodged in the EU+. This was the result of intense work by EU Institutions and Agencies, national administrations and other stakeholders he noted, but also geopolitical shifts that have driven the recent decrease in Syrian applications and, conversely, the increase in Venezuelan applications – stressing the need for cooperation with the US authorities.
- The Pact on Migration and Asylum
Turning to the present, a second panel discussion, entitled “EU Working Together: Stepping up EU Migration and Asylum Management, in the face of mounting European and international challenges,” featured senior European officials alongside the UNHCR and IOM, reflecting on the Pact on Migration and Asylum and its ongoing implementation. The EUAA’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI, emphasised the importance of sustained political commitment for implementing the Pact, a point echoed by Ms. Beate GMINDER, recently appointed as Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs at the European Commission, and Mr. Kim FREIDBERG, Director for Home Affairs at the Council of the EU. Ms. Gregori called for the allocation of sufficient resources to support Pact implementation at the national level, including within judiciary bodies, and highlighted the extensive support available from the Agency and European partners to optimise limited resources. As the Pact is set to come into force in mid-2026, Ms. Gminder reflected on the ongoing transition to the new rules and the necessity to refine certain elements, referring to recent Commission legislative proposals on the Safe Country concepts. She nonetheless advocated for balanced approaches to managing irregular migration, including enhanced efforts on legal pathways and integration into host communities.
With international organisations being key partners, Mr. Philippe LECLERC, Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe at the UNHCR, urged both panellists and attendees not to lose sight of the human aspects of migration; stressing that refugees contribute to EU Member States’ GDP. Against the backdrop of the UNHCR Global Trends Report, which shows over 122 million forcibly displaced people, he emphasised the need for a protection-sensitive implementation of the Pact, ensuring effective solidarity between Member States and with people seeking safety. He also acknowledged the need for a routes-based approach to international protection, one that ensures protection closer to countries of origin. Mr. Lukas GEHRKE, IOM Director of the Global Office in Brussels, observed that displacement drivers are worsening, referencing several examples.
All agreed that Pact implementation is going well so far, and Member States will be ready, as failing to implement is simply not an option.
- Restoring Public Trust
Panelists underscored the need for credible entry and return policies as key to restoring public trust in migration management. Transparent, fair, and efficient procedures were identified as essential for maintaining the integrity of the asylum system and upholding fundamental rights.
The EUAA Asylum Report 2025: A Factual Foundation
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the EUAA Asylum Report 2025. This flagship report offers a comprehensive overview of key developments in asylum legislation, practices, and policies across Europe in 2024, with country-specific summaries that illuminate national-level changes.
Final Thoughts
The conference was more than a policy forum, it was a call to action. The crossroads facing the EU’s asylum system demand not only legislative reform but also sustained collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to humanitarian values. MOAS is proud to have participated in this landmark event and remains committed to collaborating with our partners to build a more just and compassionate future for all those seeking safety in Europe.
Your support can make a difference. Please consider donating to help us continue our missions and save lives. Visit www.moas.eu/donate to contribute. For more updates on our work, follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].
Disclaimer: “Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.”