European Union Agency for Asylum

The administration mode of the European Union (EU) asylum policy has changed significantly, from traditional executive federalism (leaving implementation mainly to national authorities) to an increased role for EU bodies and an emergent integrated administration. The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) is central in this process. In its 15 years of operation the agency has significantly evolved. Initially, the agency was heavily focused on information exchange, training, and analysis. It has since expanded its activities to encompass joint implementation whereby agency staff and agency deployed experts undertake actions which involve executive discretion. Its Regulation also establishes a set of monitoring and steering functions. Finally, its human and financial resources have been boosted. This new setup heightens the challenges of independence, adherence to fundamental rights, and accountability.