The European Commission announced it would support voluntary returns of non-EU nationals lacking a legal right to remain, with a €25 million grant for member states.
“These funds will help Member States whose return systems are under pressure, by increasing their capacity building and supporting voluntary returns. Member States participating in the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund AMIF are eligible and can apply until 15 November 2024”, the European Commission said on October 16.
Recently, the Commission has increasingly focused on reinforcing EU return policies, reflecting a gradual shift throughout Europe towards more Right-leaning immigration stances.
The new initiative to strengthen voluntary returns was likely to appeal to European right-wing parties, such as the Sweden Democrats, who advocated for a €30,000 grant for migrants choosing to return.
With EU return policies facing criticism from several member states, this initiative also attempted to address concerns about the EU’s underperforming return systems.
“Establishing an effective common EU system for returns is one of the core elements of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. Voluntary return and sustainable reintegration are key components of the common EU system on returns,” the Commission said.
Assisted voluntary return and reintegration programmes “give returnees the possibility to safely return home in a dignified manner, and take into account their needs, expectations and prospects once returned”, it added.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to establish so-called “return hubs” outside the European Union to accelerate deportations. https://t.co/I4LXTs9JN9
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) October 15, 2024
