The organisation commented on the new government's Spring Memorandum, which provides for a budget update for 2025 and the upcoming years. COA underlined that due to the high costs of emergency reception places, the costs of reception have been far too high in recent years.
The amount foreseen for the organisation under the budget update is also going to be spent to a large majority on these types of costs. The organisation noted that without stable financing, they are obliged to close reception places, when numbers go down, but then open again later. This has proven to be expensive and inefficient, with negative impact on the quality of reception.
Constant opening and closing means applicants have to be often moved to different locations. Municipalities are also often faced last minute with the news that a facility opens or closes.
Several stakeholders (General Audit Office, municipalities, advisory bodies) suggested to finance COA on a multi-year stable basis, that ensures long-term, high-quality, affordable reception facilities. The Senate also adopted a motion calling on the government to do so.