04
User experience, conclusions and future focus
What our learners say about the training they followed
Looking at learners’ combined ‘agree’ and ‘strongly agree’ responses to the closed questions in the feedback provided for each session, it can be seen that 85 % felt that they would be able to use what they learned in their work, 91 % thought that the trainers were knowledgeable about the subject matter and, overall, 83 % were satisfied with the training.
To explore the open-text feedback provided, an AI large language model (RoBERTa), trained to classify the emotional tone of texts, was used to generate scores for open-text feedback (also known as sentiment scores) placed on a scale of – 1 to 1, with – 1 denoting the most negative comments, 0 being neutral and 1 denoting the most positive comments. These sentiment scores show moderate to strong correlations with the satisfaction measures obtained from the closed questions, which supports their validity. Building on this validation, the open-text content was then examined more directly through a quantitative analysis of the language used by respondents, focusing on the most frequent adjectives used to describe the training. These are visualised using word clouds, where word size is proportional to the frequency in the original texts. The left-hand plot displays negative comments (low sentiment, ≤ – 0.5), which primarily relate to online delivery, repetitive content, technical difficulties, content complexity, and duration. By contrast, the right-hand plot shows positive comments (high sentiment, ≥ 0.5), highlighting the training’s usefulness, quality and overall satisfaction.
Word clouds showing frequently used words in negative (left cloud) and positive (right cloud) user comments
The open-text feedback shows an overall positive trend, with our RoBERTa-based sentiment analysis model indicating that 3 out of 10 responses are ‘very positive’ and another 3 out of 10 are ‘positive’. Only 2 out of 10 are neutral, and the remaining 2 out of 10 are divided evenly between ‘negative’ and ‘very negative’ (11). This distribution suggests that the majority of users were satisfied with the training, though some key issues emerged from those with less favourable experiences.
To translate the open-text feedback into actionable themes, the anonymised comments from 2025 were processed using large language models such as GPT via Azure AI Foundry(12) to identify recurring topics and specific points. This analysis summarised 12 485 open-text comments (13) across all sessions delivered in 2025 (769 sessions received at least one comment), submitted by 4 485 users. At the topic level, content-related feedback dominated both positive and constructive mentions, covering aspects such as relevance, clarity, structure and materials, examples, language and translation, and delivery modality, and appearing in about 21 % of comments as a positive point and in 26 % as a constructive point.
Trainer- and participant-related feedback, including on trainer delivery, expertise, responsiveness, facilitation, and group dynamics, was mentioned much more often as a strength, at 7 %, than as an area to improve, at 2 %.
By contrast, IT- and time-related topics appeared occasionally in positive feedback, at under 1 % each, but were featured more prominently in constructive feedback, at about 6 % each, reflecting issues such as platform usability, connectivity, technical errors and workload, pacing, or time allocation.
Assessment-related topics, including quiz clarity, instructions, and survey design, were also raised mainly as constructive feedback, at about 4 %.
Table 4 summarises the most frequently mentioned specific points within the topic groupings. The leading positive points were general feedback and thanks at 25 %, relevance and practical applicability at 17 %, clarity of content at 13 %, trainer delivery and engagement at 7 % and structure, materials and format at 7 %. The leading constructive points were clarity of content at 12 %, delivery modality (e.g. online versus face-to-face) at 9 %, relevance and practical applicability at 9 %, structure, materials and format at 8 % and depth and level at 7 %.
Table 4. Top 3 positive and negative points by topic (14)
| Topic | Positive feedback | Negative feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Relevance and applicability (355; 17 %) Clarity of content (1 024; 13 %) Structure, materials and format (534; 7 %) |
Clarity of content (917; 12 %) Delivery modality (703; 9 %) Relevance and applicability (688; 9 %) |
| IT | Navigation and usability (47; 0.6 %) Platform functionality (12; 0.1 %) Login and access (7; 0.1 %) |
Navigation and usability (354; 5 %) Performance and connectivity (158; 2 %) Platform functionality (140; 2 %) |
| Time | Duration and overall length (60; 0.7 %) Pacing and workload (37; 0.5 %) Schedule and time zone (14; 0.2 %) |
Duration and overall length (429; 6 %) Pacing and workload (216; 3 %) Time allocation and deadlines (208; 3 %) |
| Trainers/participants | Trainer delivery and engagement (591; 7 %) Trainer expertise (406; 5 %) Trainer responsiveness (213; 3 %) |
Participants and group dynamics (83; 1 %) Trainer delivery and engagement (59; 0.8 %) Trainer responsiveness (54; 0.7 %) |
| Assessment | Questionnaire and survey design (91; 1 %) Assessment instructions (45; 0.6 %) Scoring and results (42; 0.5 %) |
Quiz and question clarity (291; 4 %) Questionnaire design (130; 2 %) Assessment instructions (93; 1 %) |
| Other | General feedback and thanks (1 982; 25 %) Logistics and venue (39; 0.5 %) Other (7; 0.1 %) |
Logistics and venue (78; 1 %) General feedback and thanks (75; 1 %) Other (11; 0.1 %) |
How our vocational training is linked to job tasks
To complement the information obtained from post-training feedback forms, the Agency reached out to its alumni in three Member States – Cyprus, Italy, and Ireland – to collect testimonials about their training experiences. Training national contact points, managers, caseworkers and trainers shared brief summaries providing their personal views on how EUAA training aligns with the daily responsibilities of officials in their national contexts. These perspectives may be helpfully summarised by the following statement from Stephen Hand, Head of Training, International Protection Office, Ireland: ‘The EUAA training programmes have been invaluable in strengthening our national capacity and aligning our practices with European standards. They provide a vital space for exchange, reflection and collaboration among colleagues across Member States.’ Twelve testimonials, featuring a range of insights, are provided below.
Developments in EUAA training in 2025
Overview of the EUAA 2025 training plan
The EUAA training plan, published annually on the official EUAA website, provides a structured and systematic framework for training delivery. The plan covers the training curriculum implemented in the context of permanent support organised by the EUAA. To further enhance accessibility and transparency, in 2025, a dedicated plan was designed to present all EUAA tailor-made training activities related to the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, offering stakeholders a comprehensive overview of available training opportunities in this area. Training plans include detailed information on each activity, such as the training plan reference, module title, target group, delivery location, estimated time required for line study, registration deadline, online duration, delivery methods and assessment dates.
The 2025 training plan continues to rely on blended delivery, while demonstrating a more systematic use of blended learning that combines online study, webinars and in-person sessions. Compared with 2024, the 2025 plan shows a notable increase in webinar-based and online delivery. Overall, this represents an estimated increase of approximately 10 % in webinar delivery. In parallel, the plan reflects visible growth in online-only modules, with several trainings previously delivered in blended or face-to-face formats in 2024 offered fully online in 2025. This shift enhances greater operational flexibility and preparedness, particularly in response to evolving training needs linked to the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Training catalogue 2025
The Training Catalogue provides an introduction to the European Asylum Curriculum and then presents each module, which is placed into one of the following categories: Advanced core modules, Country of origin modules, Dublin modules, Exclusion modules, Modules for managers, Reception, Registration, Resettlement, Vulnerability, Communication and information provision, Qualification for international protection, and Orientation course. The modules have been developed within the framework of the Common European Asylum System’s (CEAS) legal instrument – the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (the Refugee Convention) of 1951 and its Protocol – and other relevant international and European law.
In 2025, the EUAA continued to expand and update its training curriculum to support the evolving needs of asylum and reception authorities, particularly in preparation for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, while also advancing the accreditation of training modules to further strengthen the quality and recognition of the EUAA training framework.
New EUAA training content launched
In 2025, the EUAA introduced 14 new training modules covering several key thematic areas. A significant group of modules focused on legislative developments under the Pact on Migration and Asylum, including the Screening Regulation, the Asylum Procedure Regulation, the Reception Conditions Directive and the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation. Additional modules addressed resettlement and complementary pathways, reception and protection of vulnerable persons, as well as country of origin information and surveys on asylum-related migration. Seven of the new modules were accredited during the year.
Updated EUAA training content
In 2025, 12 existing EUAA training modules were also updated to reflect evolving operational needs, accreditation requirements and legislative developments. These updates covered a broad range of themes, including protection and vulnerability, communication with applicants, reception management and operational procedures, and professional development and well-being. Additional updates addressed inclusion- and resettlement-related procedures.
In addition, three of the updated modules were newly accredited in 2025, while the remaining modules listed in the table had already been accredited in previous years, further strengthening the quality assurance of the EUAA training curriculum.
In 2025, the EUAA continued to support the translation of EAC modules and tailor-made training activities, further strengthening multilingual accessibility across Member States. As of 31 December 2025, the training portfolio comprised 75 different modules and tailor-made trainings. These were made available in 31 languages, based on national and operational needs, resulting in a total of 425 language versions.
In cooperation with the Translation Centre, the EUAA advanced the use of innovative translation solutions. In 2025, the work focused on developing AI-based neural machine translation for Spanish and German – the most widely used languages in the curriculum after English. This development is expected to significantly improve the speed and consistency of translations in these languages, thereby enhancing accessibility and responsiveness to Member States’ needs.
© European Union Agency for Asylum
In 2025, the horizontal curriculum continued to play a key role in supporting the training of a growing number of asylum and reception officials. This was complemented by the expansion of the EUAA trainer and assessor network, with 218 new trainers and assessors trained through the ‘Becoming an EUAA trainer and assessor’ and ‘Becoming an EUAA assessor’ modules, delivered across 14 sessions.
At the same time, interest in coaching-related skills continued to increase. The ‘Introduction to coaching’ module was delivered seven times as part of a collaborative effort under the permanent and operational support frameworks, reflecting a steadily growing demand for coaching competencies among trainers and practitioners.
In June 2025, the EUAA officially inaugurated the EUAA Academy at its premises in Trident Park, Malta. The ceremony was attended by the EUAA Executive Director, Ms Nina Gregori; Malta’s Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Mr Byron Camilleri; representatives from the Maltese authorities, the European Commission and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; members of the EUAA Management Board; and officials from the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority.
Following its accreditation as a recognised qualifications provider in late 2024, the EUAA Academy now serves as the first accredited training academy at the EU level dedicated specifically to asylum and reception matters. The academy provides a dedicated training centre where national officials from EU+ countries can receive internationally recognised and specialised training.
© European Union Agency for Asylum
Since 2012, the Agency has trained national officials on the implementation of the CEAS. The establishment of the EUAA Academy represents a further step in strengthening professional standards across the sector. By supporting case officers in the consistent application of EU asylum legislation, enhancing reception experts’ capacity to identify and assist vulnerable persons and contributing to the professional development of national administrations, the academy promotes convergence, quality and trust among Member States.
The inauguration of the EUAA Academy marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the EUAA’s training mandate and its continued support to Member States in implementing the CEAS.
In 2025, significant progress was made in enhancing the implementation of the EAC through improvements to the learning technologies ecosystem supporting its delivery. These developments focused on enhancing the online user experience, improving system performance and ensuring a more secure and reliable learning environment.
A major milestone was the investment in more robust services and technological infrastructure, enabling more efficient access to training and supporting the growing number of learners participating in EUAA training activities.
In addition, a new registration and enrolment process for national training sessions was redesigned and implemented, improving efficiency and user experience. In parallel, the registration and enrolment process for accredited modules was fully digitalised, streamlining the end-to-end training cycle for both learners and learning platform administrators.
Internally, key processes and tools were reviewed and optimised to increase operational efficiency and sustainability. These improvements were essential to effectively manage the rapid growth in training demand while continuing to provide reliable, high-quality services and effective client relationship management throughout the entire training life cycle.
Conclusions and future focus
© European Union Agency for Asylum
The EUAA continued to expand and strengthen its training activities in 2025 in response to the evolving needs of asylum and reception authorities across EU+ countries. As highlighted throughout this report, the year was marked by a further increase in training delivery, continued development of the EAC and enhanced analytical monitoring of training outcomes. These efforts reflect the Agency’s commitment to supporting Member States in building sustainable capacity and ensuring greater convergence in the implementation of the CEAS.
As outlined in Chapter 2, training delivery reached record participations in 2025, with a significant number of officials trained across EUAA training activities. Training was delivered through both permanent and operational support frameworks. The continued development of the EAC, including the introduction of new modules and the updating of existing training content, further strengthened the relevance of the EUAA’s training portfolio.
In particular, 2025 saw the introduction of new training modules addressing key thematic areas such as the legislative changes due to the Pact on Migration and Asylum. Several modules were also accredited during the year, reinforcing the quality assurance of the EUAA training framework and contributing to the professionalisation of the asylum and reception area.
The analysis presented in Chapter 3 provides further insight into the training delivery and participation patterns across EU+ countries. The findings highlight the continued importance of flexible delivery modalities, with fully online training enabling the EUAA to reach a substantial number of participants across Member States. At the same time, blended approaches combining online and face-to-face components remained an important modality, particularly in the context of national training delivered by EU+ counties. The analysis also highlights the strong demand for operational training modules, particularly those aimed at supporting caseworkers and the implementation of new legislative developments.
Chapter 4 presents the results of the learner feedback analysis, which continues to demonstrate a high level of satisfaction with EUAA training activities. Participants consistently highlighted the relevance of the training content to their daily work, the expertise of the trainers and the practical value of the learning experience. The analysis of open-text feedback further provided valuable insights into aspects of the training that learners found most beneficial, while also identifying areas for further improvement and lessons learnt. These findings underline the importance of combining quantitative monitoring indicators with qualitative feedback to obtain a comprehensive understanding of training outcomes.
Looking ahead, the EUAA training framework will continue to evolve in line with the upcoming implementation of the Pact, scheduled for June 2026. The Agency’s training activities will play a key role in supporting Member States in preparing for the new legal and operational framework. In this context, the continued development of pact-related training modules and the expansion of accredited training activities will remain a priority.
At the same time, the EUAA will further strengthen its analytical monitoring tools and training needs analysis methodologies to ensure that training activities remain closely aligned with the operational realities of Member States. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of the EAC will constitute an important area of work in the upcoming year, with the aim of assessing its relevance, effectiveness and alignment with evolving operational and legislative developments.
By continuing to expand the EAC, to strengthen the accreditation of training modules and to enhance evidence-based monitoring of training outcomes, the EUAA will remain well positioned to support the professionalisation of the asylum and reception sector across the EU.