EUAA Introduces New Strategy for the External Dimension of International Protection

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The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has adopted an improved version of the External Cooperation Strategy, which was amended in a bid to reflect the developments of the Common EU Asylum System since 2019, as well as the EUAA updated Regulation to become effective.

According to a press release by the EUAA, the improved Regulation will equip the authority with a stronger mandate to work with international partners regarding protection issues, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

The Strategy was reviewed following consultations with Member States and other relevant factors such as the European Commission. This Strategy is also expected to establish visions for the Agency’s actions on Third-Country Support, Humanitarian Admission as well as Resettlement.

Furthermore, the Strategy includes four strategic objectives, which will be achieved with the principles that include coherence, sustainability and solidarity.

These principles include the EUAA acts that coordinate and seek to draw synergies that are relevant for all actors in efforts to strengthen partnerships. Through solidarity, the EU’s external cooperation contributes to the Union’s solidarity with non-EU countries, supporting the Member States on Resettlement and humanitarian admission plans as well as assisting third countries in meeting their obligations.

Regarding capacity development, the Strategy is a long-term endeavor that aims to prolong the improvement of national systems. The EUAA will continue to assist the Member States and partner third countries’ development not only individually but also at institutional levels.

As per funding, the EUAA lies in the internal dimension, and a very small fraction is designated to the external dimension. The expanded mandate of the EU and the requests for support by EU+ countries are continuing to add pressure on the limited sources of the EUAA. Therefore, support for third countries might become more dependent on external funding.

“Since 2016, the EUAA has been benefitting from funding from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), aimed at supporting Western Balkan partners in their efforts to align asylum and reception,” the report by EUAA explains.

The Strategy also includes continuous cooperation with the EU countries, which includes the Management Board, giving a general orientation to all of the Agency’s activities that ensure the authority to perform its tasks.

In addition, the Third Country Cooperation Network and Resettlement, as well as the Humanitarian Admission Network, are determined to enhance coordination with the EU countries and different organisations.

The EUAA has adopted and plans to implement the “Team Europe” approach in its actions that have to do with Resettlement and support to third countries that are partners to the EU.

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