2.2.3. Eliciting the expertise of civil society

2.2.3. Eliciting the expertise of civil society

 Civil society organisations contribute significantly to the field of asylum by delivering services at the operational level, conducting research, and engaging in advocacy and litigation. They generally have well-honed operational experience and an insight into the experiences of applicants by working closely with them within reception and throughout the asylum procedure. This expertise allows civil society to make normative assessments into the practical functioning of asylum and reception systems, while calling for attention to deficiencies, when they exist. This unique angle also allows civil society to make invaluable contributions to the functioning of asylum and reception systems through ideas, recommendations and practical involvement. 

The European Commission and civil society organisations continued to hold consultations throughout 2024, while numerous projects carried out by civil society organisations are financed by the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.39 In May 2024, the European Commission and representatives from civil society organisations discussed the practical implementation of the Pact and the key role civil society can play in it, especially in the areas of information provision, reception and integration, as well as in monitoring mechanisms to ensure respect of fundamental rights.40

The 2024 edition of the European Migration Forum brought together participants from over 200 civil society organisations, the European Economic and Social Committee, local and regional authorities, migrant-led organisations, international organisations and the European Commission. The two-day conference highlighted the key role of civil society organisations in implementing the Pact.41 In December 2024, the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, participated in a Youth Policy Dialogue on Schengen, security and migration with 30 students from different countries. Insights generated through the discussion will feed into policy development to ensure that the views of young people are taken into consideration.42

The EUAA Consultative Forum is the main channel for dialogue and cooperation with civil society organisations working in asylum at the local, European and international levels. The organisations actively participate in EUAA activities and provide feedback to publications. The Consultative Forum exercises its tasks independently and advises the Executive Director and the Management Board on asylum-related matters, in accordance with the Agency’s specific needs in priority areas. In 2024, the number of consultations with the forum exceeded expectations due to their increased involvement following the entry into force of the EUAA Regulation. With the upcoming legislative changes linked to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the forum was consulted on products related to the new tasks of the Agency, such as the drafting of guidelines on alternatives to detention.