EMN inform: Governing the accommodation of international protection applicants (2024) (external website)

Key notes

• Effective governance of accommodation for interna[1]tional protection applicants is crucial for responding to challenges such as fluctuating asylum applications, limited housing capacity, and community relations.
• A centralised governance model is in place in most European Migration Network (EMN) Member and Observer Countries, with one authority primarily responsible for the reception of applicants for international protection. This is typically either the Ministry of the Interior or a specialised executive agency or service. 
• Several EMN Member and Observer Countries apply a mixed approach to governance, delegating varying degrees of competence to governance structures at national, regional and local level. Only Germany applies a purely decentralised model.
• Contingency planning and preparedness plans are in place in the majority of EMN Member and Observer Countries for responding to sudden increases in demand for accommodation. Typically, a wide range of stakeholders are involved in the development and implementation of such plans. 
• The building and acquisition of accommodation centres for international protection applicants is overseen by government ministries and/or agencies, usually re[1]sourced from the state budget and/or European Union (EU) funds.
• Managing staffing levels in reception centres and accommodation facilities is a challenge for EMN Member and Observer Countries. The bodies that govern the accommodation of applicants for international protection employ a mix of civil servants, non-governmental organisation (NGO) employees and staff from independent agencies. Temporary staff may also be employed to manage fluctuating demands for accommodation for applicants for international protection.
• Funds from state budgets are typically used to finance accommodation systems. EU funding streams complement the state budget or are used to implement specific projects relating to the accommodation of applicants for international protection. n Strengths of a centralised governance model include consistency in planning and coordination of activities, uniformity of policies and procedures, and clear accountability. Countries applying a mixed or decentralised approach cited more adaptable responses to the varying needs and circumstances of applicants for international protection