The Council of Europe’s 11th Meeting of the Network of Focal Points on Migration (NFPM) on 19–20 June 2025 in Strasbourg, brought together representatives from member states, international organisations and key institutions to share experiences and address common migration and refugee challenges. The discussions focused on the identification and protection of vulnerable migrants and refugees in the context of border procedures.

Following opening remarks by Clare Ovey, Director of the Directorate of Human Rights, speakers from the UNHCR, Frontex and the EUAA addressed key issues such as protection safeguards, the handling of vulnerability, and the operational challenges at borders. 

Representatives from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) and the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) added critical perspectives on the prevention of ill-treatment and protecting victims of trafficking in migration contexts.

The afternoon session featured interventions by representatives from the European Court of Human Rights, Italian and Romanian ministries of interior and the UK Home Office. Discussions underscored the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation in ensuring humane, lawful and effective migration management practices, particularly for persons in vulnerable situations.

On the second day, participants received updates on recent migration-related initiatives taken by various Council of Europe entities, including the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Youth Department, the CDCJ-MIG, and the Unit of Non-formal Education and Cooperation. Topics ranged from supporting young refugees and improving access to justice for stateless children, to recognising qualifications and linguistic competencies of refugees.