Asylum applicants from the Western Balkans : comparative analysis of trends, push-pull factors and responses

The present comparative analysis examines contemporary asylum flows from Western Balkan (WB) countries of origin (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia) to EU Member States and Associated Countries (MSACs). In particular, it seeks to: 1. accurately describe the main characteristics of the recent flow of WB citizens applying for international protection in MSACs; 2. examine the principal factors determining decisions by WB citizens to leave their country and apply for asylum in the EU (push factors); 3. examine the factors which affect their choice of destination country (pull factors); 4. look at measures put in place by MSACs to efficiently process applications from WB citizens and other complementary measures. In conclusion, the report attempts to identify the measures which have proved to be the most effective in dealing with large numbers of applications for international protection where many may be unfounded, while ensuring full consideration of each individual claim and protection for those who need it.