EMN Inform: Distribution of international protection accommodation centres and relationship management with local communities ,
This EMN Inform examines the national approaches of 23 EMN member states and Serbia up to February 2025, looking at how they distribute international protection applicants and accommodation centres and how they work with local communities.
The Inform analyses two distinct types of distribution: the distribution of international protection applicants, and the distribution of accommodation centres. The design and application of criteria for distributing international protection applicants differ across countries.
These criteria may include regional demographics, infrastructure, proximity to services, and individual needs assessments, such as health conditions, family status, and vulnerability. Examples include population-based distribution keys in France and tax-based allocation systems according to the "Königstein key" in Germany. New centres are usually set up based on multiple criteria, including migratory pressure, transport infrastructure, and proximity to basic services.
Seven countries reported mechanisms for allocating additional resources to local services, including funding for healthcare, education, and public transport. However, this depends on reception capacity, compensation or reimbursement systems, or additional national and EU funds.
Only five countries have formal communication plans to support the opening of new centres. Others rely on guidance or case-by-case outreach. Nevertheless, most responding countries engage with local authorities and elected representatives before or upon opening new accommodation centres.
The majority of responding EMN Member Countries have experienced challenges in engaging with Serbia have experienced challenges in engaging with local communities and interest groups in relation to the opening of accommodation centres. Reactions may include reluctance, anxiety and opposition, and in rare cases, acts of violence.
However, positive experiences have been reported in many countries where the opening of accommodation centres has been accompanied by measures involving local communities and relevant stakeholders, such as open days, cultural events, training and the recruitment of local staff.
The EMN Inform is only available in English.