The European Asylum Support Office (EASO), established in 2010, is an EU agency tasked with providing support to Member States in the management of asylum applications. This includes providing expertise, collecting and disseminating information, and coordinating the practical cooperation between Member States.

In 2016, the EU adopted the EASO Regulation, which sets out the legal framework for the agency`s operations. Under the regulation, EASO`s tasks include:

– Supporting Member States in implementing the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which aims to ensure a harmonised and fair asylum process across the EU.

– Providing technical and operational assistance to Member States in managing asylum applications, including through the deployment of experts and the provision of training.

– Conducting research, collecting data, and sharing information on asylum-related issues, with the aim of improving the quality of decision-making in the asylum process.

– Coordinating the practical cooperation between Member States in the management of asylum applications, including through the establishment of national contact points and the coordination of joint activities.

The EASO Regulation also established the EASO Management Board, which provides strategic guidance to the agency and oversees its operations. The Board is composed of representatives from the Member States, the European Commission, and EASO`s Executive Director.

The EASO Agreement, adopted in 2011, sets out the terms of cooperation between EASO and the participating Member States. As of 2021, 30 EU and Schengen Associated Countries have signed the agreement.

Under the agreement, Member States agree to provide financial contributions to EASO`s budget and to nominate national experts to participate in the agency`s activities. EASO, in turn, agrees to provide support and assistance to Member States in the management of asylum applications, as outlined in the EASO Regulation.

The EASO Agreement also establishes a framework for the exchange of information and best practices between Member States. This includes the establishment of a network of national contact points, which facilitate communication and cooperation between Member States on asylum-related issues.

In recent years, EASO has played a key role in responding to the challenges posed by the refugee and migration crisis in Europe. The agency has supported Member States in managing the large number of asylum applications, provided information and guidance to asylum seekers, and conducted research on the root causes of migration.

Overall, the EASO Agreement and Regulation provide an important framework for cooperation and coordination between Member States in the management of asylum applications. By working together through EASO, Member States can ensure a fair and effective asylum process for those seeking protection in Europe.