The exercise explored emerging trends and challenges in third countries that could influence migratory flows or the drivers of migration across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Building on a structured collection of signals gathered through an online survey involving a network of experts, participants engaged in an interactive sense-making workshop to assess developments with potential implications for migration preparedness. 

Discussions were organised around four regional groups: North and West Africa, North and East Africa, the Near Middle East, and Iran and the Gulf. The workshop brought together experts from the European Commission, including DG HOME, DG MENA and DG INTPA, EU agencies such as Frontex and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), European Migration Liaison Officers (EMLOs) and representatives of Member States. 

This activity marks the second horizon scanning pilot, following a first pilot conducted in 2025 that focused on two key migratory routes. This year, the activity had an expanded geographical scope, a wider participants’ base, and was supported by  innovative methods and tools to support anticipation and early warning in migration management. 

In the year that marks the entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the findings of the workshop will contribute to the 2026 annual solidarity cycle and will be consolidated in a dedicated Blueprint report, providing evidence to support preparedness and informed decision-making. 

Anticipation and preparedness remain central to EU migration management. The Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint Network, coordinated by DG HOME, provides an operational framework for monitoring and anticipating migration developments, helping the EU to respond effectively to emerging challenges. 

Through its collaboration with DG HOME and international partners, the JRC continues to strengthen the analytical tools and evidence base that support proactive migration policymaking.