Brussels, 28/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 28 March, the European Commission published a communication taking stock of European return policies and the “return” directive, which was adopted in 2008. Although the European Executive stresses a few areas in which progress has been made, it also criticises shortcomings and observes a considerable margin for improvement “in the practical implementation of the directive and for return policies in general”.
The Commission takes the view that particular emphasis must be laid on aspects linked to detention conditions, a more systematic use of alternatives to detention, the creation of independent forced return monitoring systems and the overall effectiveness of the policy (for example, faster procedures and higher rates of voluntary return), it said in a press release.
The report indicates that the number of arrests of migrants residing illegally in the EU has fallen year-on-year since 2008. The total drop between 2008 and 2012 is nearly 30%. The number of arrests has been brought down from around 610,000 in 2008 to some 440,000 at the moment.
However, as regards the return of persons not authorised to remain in the EU, statistics show “a considerable gap between the persons issued with a return decision (approximately 484,000 persons in 2012, 491,000 in 2011 and 540,000 in 2010) and those who, as a consequence, have left the EU (approximately 178,000 in 2012, 167,000 in 2010 and 199,000 in 2010)”.
This considerable gap between return decisions notified and actual returns can be explained “by a lack of cooperation on the part of third countries of origin or transit (for example, problems obtaining the necessary documents from the consular authorities of third countries) and by a lack of cooperation on the part of the person concerned”, who may hide his or her identity or take flight.
In order to resolve these shortcomings, the Commission recommends five actions: - ensuring a proper and effective implementation of the existing rules, notably on the detention of returnees, safeguards and legal remedies, as well as the treatment of minors and other vulnerable persons in return procedures; - promoting more consistent and fundamental rights-compatible practices (the Commission is to prepare a handbook with guidelines); - developing further dialogue and cooperation with non-EU countries; - improving operational cooperation between member states on returns; - enhancing the role of Frontex in the field of returns, with, amongst other things, return training. (SP)