The European Commission published a report on the situation of unaccompanied children in the EU that are traveling to Europe seeking a new life. The report calls on the need of gathering and exchange quantitative and qualitative data, and the need of continuous engagement and exchanges, by the EU and by Member States, with countries of origin and transit.

The European Commission adopted a mid-term report on the implementation of the Action Plan on unaccompanied minors (2010-2014). The report takes stock of the progress made and identifies the areas which require more attention and targeted action during the next two years on the unaccompanied minors travel to Europe seeking a new life topic. The European Commission adopted the Action Plan in May 2010.

Although the report shows that over the last two years the Action Plan has had positive impact, for example with the explicit recognition of the best interests of the child as the guiding principle, the common EU approach that has ensured that greater prominence is given to funding measures for this particularly vulnerable group of migrants, and it has facilitated discussions among institutions, national authorities, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations and allowed enhanced exchange of knowledge and practices, for example on guardianship and age assessment, further efforts are also needed. According to the report, additional efforts in quantitative and qualitative data gathering and exchange are needed. Also, continuous engagement and exchanges, by the EU and by Member States, with countries of origin and transit are essential.

The Commission announced that it will continue to prioritise funding for projects. Member States, international and non-governmental organisations are encouraged to use the available financial resources to their fullest potential. The EU is committed to having a common EU asylum system in place by the end of 2012. The Commission has proposed higher standards of protection for unaccompanied children and hopes the Parliament and the Council will find common ground.