On 15 October, the European Commission launched a €25 million call for expressions of interest under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) to support Member States in assisting the voluntary return of third-country nationals who do not have the legal right to reside in the EU, it announced in a press release on Wednesday 16 October.
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 AMIF are eligible to apply until 15 November 2024.
“Voluntary return and sustainable reintegration are key components of the common EU system on returns. 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”, adds the press release.
However, several Member States now wish to review the legal frameworks surrounding the time limits for voluntary returns, which they consider to be potential obstacles to effective returns. These discussions will take place in the context of the forthcoming revision of the 2008 Return Directive, which should be one of the first projects of the future European Commission. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)