Governance models for international protection accommodation

The governance of accommodation for international protection applicants varies across European countries, with centralised, mixed, and decentralised models. Most European Migration Network (EMN) Member and Observer Countries use a centralised system, where a national authority—often the Ministry of the Interior or a dedicated agency—manages accommodation. This offers consistency but can lack flexibility for local needs.

Some countries, like Germany, operate a decentralised system. Regional authorities manage accommodation, allowing tailored responses to local demands. This model, while flexible, requires strong coordination to remain cohesive.

A mixed approach, used by some countries, shares responsibility between national, regional, and local levels. This structure balances flexibility with central oversight, addressing specific regional needs.

One of the challenges these models face is coping with fluctuating migration flows. To address this, EU countries must develop contingency plans, as mandated by the 2024 recast of the Reception Conditions Directive (RCD). These plans involve multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and civil society organisations, ensuring a broad and rapid response during crises.

Another issue is staffing. Reception centres are often managed by a mix of government, NGO, and private staff. EU Member States are required to provide training for staff under the RCD, particularly to address the needs of vulnerable applicants like minors.

Funding for these systems comes from state budgets, with additional support from the EU’s Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF). This fund helps improve infrastructure and living conditions in reception centres.

While governance models differ, all EU countries share the challenge of balancing resources, coordination, and flexibility to provide suitable accommodation for international protection applicants.

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