Voluntary-return-and-reintegration

Today, the Commission adopted the EU strategy on voluntary return and reintegration. The strategy promotes the importance of voluntary returns and aims at increasing their number, while improving the quality of the support provided to returnees.

The new strategy proposes:

• a more coordinated and integrated approach among Member States
• stronger cooperation with partner countries to implement reintegration schemes
• guidance supported by digital tools for a more functional EU return system

How do voluntary returns work?

The strategy identifies challenges that complicate the uptake of voluntary returns and suggests a coherent approach based on measures under seven pillars:

1. Strengthening the legal and operational framework . [add icon]
2. Facilitating effective coordination between all stakeholders [add icon]
3. Supporting voluntary return and reintegration of migrants located in non-EU countries [add icon]
4. Improving return counselling and referral practices through dedicated tools and guidance [add icon]
5. Promoting common quality support. [add icon]
6. Fostering the sustainability and the ownership of reintegration in partner countries[add icon]
7. A more coordinated use of financial resources [add icon]

Next steps

The Commission, together with the High Representative, EU Member States, Frontex, EU Delegations and partner countries, alongside the wide range of stakeholders and international organisations involved, will work to implement the strategy.The Commission will also monitor the implementation of the strategy, notably in the context of the European Migration Network and in regular discussions with the European Parliament and with Member States in the Council.

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For more information:

• Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration
• Link to the IP
• Link to the MEMO
• Return and readmission webpage