On 18 June 2025, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) held its first-ever State of Asylum Conference in Malta. The event brought together high-level policymakers, representatives from EU institutions, international organisations, and migration experts to reflect on the current state of international protection and migration in the European Union.
The Salesian Congregation and the Salesian Family were represented by Sara Sechi, Executive Secretary of Don Bosco International (DBI), the body that represents the Congregation within the EU institutions, and Stefano Di Maria, on behalf of the International Volunteers for Development (VIS) and Don Bosco 2000.
The conference, held under the theme “EU Asylum at a Crossroads?”, explored both past and future trends, particularly in the context of the evolving New EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The event featured keynote speeches by Nina Gregori, Executive Director of the EUAA, Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, and a video message from Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration. These opening remarks set the tone for a day of in-depth discussions and expert insights.
The first political panel included contributions from Makis Voridis, Minister of Migration and Asylum of Greece, Mari Rantanen, Minister of the Interior of Finland, Andi Mahila, Deputy Minister of Interior of Albania, and Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The panel addressed the complexity of managing migration flows while ensuring fair and humane treatment of asylum seekers. While celebrating progress in the new migration policy framework, participants raised concerns about the growing emphasis on return mechanisms, often at the expense of protection systems for those fleeing persecution and conflict.
Jean-Louis De Brouwer, Director of the European Affairs Programme at the Egmont Institute, offered reflections on EUAA Asylum Report 2025, which offers a comprehensive overview of legislative, policy, and practice developments across Europe.
The second panel focused on EU cooperation in migration and asylum management, featuring speakers such as Lukas Gehrke (IOM), Philippe Leclerc (UNHCR), Kim Freidberg (Council of the EU), and Beate Gminder (European Commission, DG HOME), alongside Nina Gregori (EUAA). The discussion emphasized the need for deeper partnerships and a more unified EU response, especially in light of increasing global displacement and geopolitical instability. Some participants voiced concern over reports of pushbacks and human rights violations at EU borders, calling for stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms.
The State of Asylum Conference 2025 marked a significant step in strengthening dialogue and cooperation on asylum matters in Europe. It reaffirmed the EUAA’s commitment to supporting Member States and partners in building a fair, effective, and common asylum system.
During the event, the representatives from DBI and VIS visited the Don Bosco Foundation and Salesian Pastoral Youth Service (SPYS), as well as the Salesian community and Boarding School of St Patrick’s in Sliema.
Leave A Comment