FAiR Project releases new Working Paper on return and readmission agreements
Return policies remain at the forefront of the EU migration agenda.
In October 2024, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a more harmonised return policy across Member States and stronger cooperation with third countries on readmission. On 11 March 2025, the Commission also proposed a new Common European System for Returns. As momentum for “policy reform” grows, a clearer picture of the existing frameworks in the member states is urgently needed.
A new working paper written by MPG under the FAiR project provides the most comprehensive mapping to date of Intergovernmental Return Frameworks (IRFs) – including those formal agreements between EU/EFTA countries or the European Union and third countries aimed at facilitating the return and readmission of migrants. These agreements vary in legal status and content, and often include issue linkages to other policy areas such as development or border control.
Working Paper – Key Highlights
- The paper collects and analyses migration cooperation agreements, specifically readmission agreements, signed by EU/EFTA countries and the EU with third countries between 2008 and 2023.
- It focuses on the number of agreements, their enforceability and legal bindingness, geographical distribution, issue linkages, and implementation and monitoring mechanisms.
- MPG coordinated the development of a comprehensive inventory of these agreements. A key aim is to improve the quality and clarity of existing data on return and readmission.
- The inventory complements current datasets -including Cassarino’s, by offering systematic and comparative information on the content, scope, and mechanisms of IRFs.
- It serves not only as a critical resource for understanding current frameworks, but also paves the way for future research opportunities. It can be expanded to include additional countries, supporting broader academic collaboration and data development in this field.
This working paper addresses a significant gap in the analysis of EU return policy by moving beyond mere agreement counts. It offers insight into the practical functioning of these frameworks and lays the foundation for enhanced transparency, accountability, and future reform.
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.