In recent years the EU faced a sizeable increase in the number of asylum applications, which created significant challenges for some countries. However, they benefit from support from the European Asylum Support Office (EASO).

Every year it presents its findings on the situation of asylum seekers in the EU, plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. On Tuesday 21 November, the agency presented its 2016 annual report to Parliament's justice and home affairs committee.

However, do you know why the agency was created and how it helps EU countries? Read on for the answers.