EASO is an agency of the European Union set up by Regulation (EU) 439/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The agency:
-acts as a centre of expertise on asylum;
-contributes to the development of the Common European Asylum System by facilitating, coordinating and strengthening practical cooperation among Member States on the many aspects of asylum;
-helps Member States fulfill their European and international obligations to give protection to people in need;
-provides practical and technical support to Member States and the European Commission;
-provides operational support to Member States with specific needs and to Member States whose asylum and reception systems are under particular pressure;
-provides evidence-based input for EU policymaking and legislation in all areas having a direct or indirect impact on asylum.
EASO becomes fully operational: Dr Visser, EASO Executive Director, Commissioner Malmstrom, Hon Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta and Hon Mifsud Bonnici, Malta's Former Minister for Home Affairs and Local Government, signing a declaration to this effect on 19 June 2011.
EASO's history:
The Tampere European Council of 1999 agreed on the establishment of a Common European Asylum System (CEAS).
The EU 2004 Hague Programme proposed the establishment of the European Asylum Support Office. The Office was conceived to play a crucial role in ensuring practical cooperation between Member States on matters related to asylum.
The European Commission proposed the creation of EASO on 18 February 2009.
In the first quarter of 2010, the European Parliament and the Council agreed on the creation of EASO. The EASO regulation came into force on 19 June 2010.
On 1 February 2011, EASO became operational as an EU agency.
On 1 April 2011 the first EASO operating plan was signed to support the reconstruction of the Greek asylum system.
On 24 May 2011, the 'seat agreement' between the Government of Malta and EASO was signed. The agreement governs the relationship between the host Member State and EASO.
On 19 June 2011, EASO was officially inaugurated in Malta.
On 7 September 2012, EASO moved into its new premises located in the Grand Harbour of Valletta, Malta.
In 2012, Luxembourg and Sweden requested and obtained EASO’s support.
In 2013, Bulgaria and Italy requested and obtained EASO’s support.
In 2014, Cyprus requested and obtained EASO's support.
In 2015, EASO played a central role in the implementation of the EU Migration agenda and the new hotspot approach.
In 2016, Mr Jose’ Carreira became the new EASO Executive Director.
