The report examines the principles for locating centres, mechanisms for dialogue, potential challenges, and best practices from different countries. It also describes measures to support local communities and NGOs, aiming for better planning, local acceptance, and integration.

The background for this study is the growing need for reception capacity and challenges related to local acceptance. The report explores the criteria used for placement, how communication with local communities is carried out, and which measures can reduce resistance and strengthen integration.

Read the report on the European Commission's website (external website)

Key point to note

• The design and application of criteria for distributing international protection applicants differ across countries, taking into consideration individual needs and characteristics, the number and capacity of accommodation centres, and the demographic, economic and social characteristics of the receiving regions.
• Seventeen EMN Member Countries and Serbia (out of 23 respondents) strive for a balanced distribution of accommodation centres across their territories. New centres are typically established based on multiple criteria, including migratory pressure, transport infrastructure and proximity to basic services.
• Five EMN Member Countries (out of 23 respondents) have developed communication plans – either at national or regional level, depending on how the country is governed – to promote timely and transparent communication with local authorities, service providers and communities.
• Despite the lack of dedicated communication plans in most responding EMN Member Countries and Serbia, there is generally engagement and exchange of information with local authorities, elected representatives and communities before, upon and/or after the opening of an accommodation centre. The format, frequency and flexibility of communication mechanisms and public outreach activities vary by country.
• Additional resources for local services are reportedly allocated in relation to reception capacity, compensation or reimbursement systems, complementary national and EU funds, and initiatives to supplement local service provision. Additional resources for NGOs are typically allocated through compensation systems, EU funds and open calls for proposals. Ireland has created three dedicated funds to provide financial support to NGOs and community groups.
• The majority of responding EMN Member Countries and 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, opposition and, in rare cases, even acts of violence.
• Key good practices highlighted by responding EMN Member Countries and Serbia include accompanying measures to support the opening of accommodation centres (e.g. roadmaps, monitoring indicators and committees), foster community engagement (e.g. cultural events, training and recruitment of local staff), and provide financial support to hosting municipalities. Fourteen EMN Member Countries regarded communication and coordination with local stakeholders as critical to achieving positive integration outcomes