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<p>The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) plays an important role in supporting
asylum cooperation between Member States and in helping those Member States whose
asylum and reception systems are under pressure. EASO is funded directly by the EU
budget.</p><p>The Government continues to support the principle of EU hotspots and
has deployed resources through EASO to the hotspots in Italy and Greece.</p><p>Last
year, the Government took a decision not to opt in to the proposed EU Agency for Asylum,
which will replace EASO. The Government’s key consideration was the significant amount
of oversight of the UK asylum system, which would be given to the Agency should the
UK choose to participate. Written Ministerial Statement HCWS373 of 16 December refers.</p><p>Until
the UK leaves the EU, there will be no immediate changes to how the UK engages with
EASO. Until then, we remain a full member of EASO, maintaining voting rights at the
management board and playing a strong role in influencing EU asylum policy.</p><p>The
Government will consider the UK’s future relationship with the EU in terms of asylum
cooperation as part of the broader EU exit negotiations.</p>
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