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The European Migration Network (EMN) has prepared the Migration and Asylum Report 2023, which presents the latest developments in labour, irregular migration, asylum, integration and other relevant areas in the EMN Member and Observer Countries. The aim of the report is to present objective and comparable information on migration issues and to provide an overview of the most important developments in the field of migration in the EU Member States.

In the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the main highlight for 2023 is the decision of the Council of the European Union (EU) to extend temporary protection for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine in all EU Member States until 4 March 2025. It should be noted that in June 2024, the European Commission (EC) proposed to extend temporary protection until 4 March 2026.

According to Mr Schin, Vice-President of the EC: "As long as Ukrainians need shelter from Putin's bombs, the European Union will provide it". By extending temporary protection for Ukrainians, the EU is demonstrating a strong and consistent position towards Ukrainians fleeing the war.

There has been an increase in the number of applications for asylum. In 2023, EU countries as well as Norway and Switzerland will receive more than 1.14 million asylum applications, 18% more than in 2022. Syrians submitted the largest number of applications, followed by Afghans.

For the first time since 2016, the number exceeded one million. This increase could lead to an even more heated debate in European countries where far-right governments have long felt public dissatisfaction with migration policies. However, experts say that the ability of far-right parties to make a real impact at EU level will depend on their ability to work together.

It should be noted that human trafficking is becoming an increasingly critical issue as migration flows increase. Criminals involved in human trafficking are taking advantage of the increase in migration numbers to target the most vulnerable persons.

In this context, in November 2023, the EC presented a proposal to strengthen Europol's role in the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking. An example of this is the establishment of a centre to combat the smuggling of migrants.

Significant Council agreement of 9 June 2023 to update the 2011 Directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims. The new Directive establishes common EU rules on the criminalisation, investigation and prosecution of trafficking in human beings, including the definition of offences, penalties and sanctions, and the assistance, support and protection of victims of human trafficking.