From 21 to 23 January 2026, the informal European Justice and Home Affairs Council was held in Cyprus. Home Affairs Ministers focused inter alia on strengthening the EU’s capacity to deliver effective and sustainable returns, and exchanging views on Syria and Afghanistan, assessing evolving conditions, and considering how the EU will pursue safe, dignified, and coordinated returns in full compliance with EU and international law.

Belgium has a particular interest in this agenda, as, according to Minister Van Bossuyt, 2.808 Syrian nationals are currently accommodated in reception centres and the protection rate since the resumption of decision-making by the CGVS in November 2025 remains at 24 %. Against this backdrop, Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt announced targeted measures to encourage voluntary return of Syrians, including enhanced reintegration support.

Voluntary return will be supported by reintegration packages of up to €5.000 for asylum seekers and €3.000 for Syrians who are irregularly staying in Belgium. The assistance is delivered in the country of origin and coordinated with local partner organisations, covering housing, education, healthcare, or economic activities. At the same time, Belgium will continue to implement, according to Minister Van Bossuyt, forced returns for non-cooperating individuals in general, supported by additional escort capacity, extra places in closed centres, and readmission agreements, with priority given to irregularly staying migrants with criminal convictions.

For further details, please the press release from Anneleen Van Bossuyt.