Seventh report on relocation and resettlement

The Seventh Report on Relocation and Resettlement provides an updated state of play since the last report of 28 September 2016 and assesses the actions undertaken by all relevant stakeholders from 27 September until 8 November (the reporting period) to deliver on the commitments under the relocation and resettlement schemes. In light of the continuous urgent need to provide support to both Greece and Italy, the European Council, at its meeting on 20-21 October 2016, reiterated its call to further intensify efforts to accelerate relocation, in particular for unaccompanied minors, and existing resettlement schemes.

Since 26 September, 4,561 people have arrived in Greece. The total number of migrants present in Greece increased compared to the previous reporting period and as of 8 November is around 61,700 migrants, with around 16,250 on the islands and around 45,450 persons on mainland Greece. In Italy, 29,844 people have arrived since 26 September, representing a higher trend than the same period in 2015 (13.5% increase compared to the same period in 2015). Arrivals of Eritreans, one of the nationalities eligible for relocation, also remained high (Eritrea is the second highest nationality among arrivals to Italy with more than 3,660 arrivals in the reporting period, representing 12% of arrivals). Based on information from the Italian Ministry of the Interior, more than 6,000 Eritreans are currently potential applicants for relocation in Italy.

During the reporting period, 1,212 additional persons have been relocated, bringing the total number of persons relocated so far to 6,925 (5,376 from Greece and 1,549 from Italy). Despite the overall positive trend on relocation, October represents a dip in relocation due to the specific circumstances during the reporting period, which should be of a temporary nature. However, for the positive trend to be strengthened, an acceleration of relocation efforts is needed in order to meet the obligations foreseen under the two Council decisions. Europe's migratory situation still remains fragile and requires continuous and sustained action from all sides. With the continuous arrival of migrants in Italy and the still challenging humanitarian situation in Greece, relocation remains crucial to alleviate the pressure in these countries.

As regards resettlement, implementation of the July 2015 Conclusions to resettle 22,504 people continues to be on track with 11,852 people resettled so far, which is more than half of the agreed number. Since the previous report 1,157 people have been resettled mainly from Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon. Part of the resettlement under this European scheme serves also to implement the 1:1 mechanisms set out in the EU-Turkey Statement. Since the starting date of 4 April, 2,217 persons have been resettled from Turkey to the EU within that mechanism, including 603 since the previous report.

ESO: Background information: Relocation and Resettlement: Member States need to sustain efforts to deliver on commitments http://www.europeansources.info/record/relocation-and-resettlement-member-states-need-to-sustain-efforts-to-deliver-on-commitments/

---