European Commission has presented a plan aimed at returning immigrants to their countries of origin outside the European Union, Politico reports.
In 2021, the migration services of the countries of the European Union requested 342,100 persons to leave their countries, however, according to Eurostat data, only a quarter of these persons returned to countries outside the EU. EU Interior Commissioner Ylva Johansson stated at a press conference on the 24th of January that this number must be increased, and added that neither member states nor the European Commission can do it alone and must cooperate.
Officials say that the return of migrants to their countries of origin is hampered by administrative problems.
In addition, it is noted that it is more convenient for third countries to agree to the return of their nationals only if more economic support is offered.
At the same time support agencies and migration services often lack mutual communication. One of the aims of the EC proposal is to ensure that Member States act in unison and that actions are coordinated.
By 2026, it is planned to fully digitalize the transfer of EU countries’ data to Frontex on returned immigrants. The EU also hopes to double by the end of 2023 the number of third countries where the Frontex program for facilitating reintegration operates. Currently, the reintegration program works in 26 countries.
The discussion on migration is also planned during the meeting of the European Council, which will take place at the beginning of February. However, controversial issues such as whether EU funds should be used for the construction of a fence, as requested by Austria, are left aside.
Certain EU diplomats have pointed out that the plan is more of a summary of what has already been done than the long-awaited path to resuming discussions on migration issues.
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