Updated EUAA Country Guidance methodology
The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has released an updated Country Guidance: Methodology. Adopted by the EUAA Management Board during its 53rd meeting, it marks a significant step forward in fostering consistent assessments of international protection applications across the EU, based on high-protection standards.
The Agency’s work on country guidance is currently regulated under Article 11 of the EUAA Regulation which mandates it to foster convergence in the application of the assessment criteria established in the Qualification Directive. The Agency is also tasked with coordinating efforts among Member States to develop a common analysis on the situation in specific countries of origin and guidance notes to assist Member States in the assessment of relevant applications for international protection. Furthermore, Member States “shall take into account the common analysis and guidance notes when examining applications for international protection, without prejudice to their competence to decide on individual applications for international protection”.
Since its inception, the EUAA Country Guidance portfolio has grown to include five countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Syria, and Somalia, with a sixth guide on Iran recently published. This expansion reflects the Member State’s needs for support based on several indicators such as the number of applications, the number of pending cases at first instance, and their distribution across EU+ countries.
The updated methodology thus incorporates the changes adopted over time and aligns with the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which introduces a set of new rules for managing migration and establishing a common asylum system. The new methodology ensures that country guidance remains aligned with the goals set by the Council and responds effectively to the challenges posed by contemporary migration.
By continuously refining its approach, the EUAA underscores its commitment to supporting Member States in providing consistent, and equitable decisions across the EU based on high-protection standards. This updated Country Guidance methodology serves as another tool that strengthens the Agency’s role in fostering convergence in asylum practices and ensuring that the EU asylum system remains responsive to the needs of those in need of international protection.