The backdrop for this Inform is the EU Strategy for Voluntary Return and Reintegration, introduced in 2021. The strategy emphasises the importance of coherence as the foundation for an effective and sustainable return and reintegration policy. Coherence, in this context, is understood as the systematic alignment of various actors and phases involved in return and reintegration at the national level.

This Inform, which presents an overview of the overall governance structures and linkages in the existing return and reintegration processes within EMN Member and Observer Countries, found inter alia that:

• A majority of EMN Member and Observer Countries have implemented a coherent approach to return and reintegration assistance, characterised by institutional cooperation, coordination, and clearly defined responsibilities among national actors, as outlined in legislation, national return strategies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and practical guidelines.
   
• Approximately half of these countries have established specific working mechanisms platforms, such as working groups or regular stakeholder meetings, to ensure and monitor effective collaboration among all involved parties. Such frameworks support the distribution of responsibilities and coordination among agencies, ensuring that returnees receive consistent support. Countries like Sweden, Belgium, and Finland have formed working groups or platforms that facilitate regular communication and collaboration between key actors.
   
• There are still challenges to address, including communication and coordination difficulties between agencies, a shortage of trained personnel, fragmented monitoring systems, and funding constraints. For instance, Germany’s federal system involves numerous stakeholders, which can complicate coordination, while Sweden notes that differing priorities among agencies can impede a unified approach. Moreover, some countries, like Belgium, have highlighted the need for better harmonisation of return and reintegration standards at the EU level to avoid duplication and inefficiency.
   
• Coherence plays a central role in achieving effective return and reintegration outcomes. Some EMN Member and Observer Countries noted that a lack of coherence at the national level can create unnecessary overlaps, bottlenecks, and ineffective work. A lack of information sharing may result in duplication of activities, unnecessary planning, and ineffective use of resources. Also, a perceived lack of coherence can lead to political debates, reduce program acceptance, cause inefficiencies, and hinder the achievement of national return policy objectives.

For further details, please read the Inform attached above.