The Return Fund

This page gives a general presentation in three parts: Part I covers the latest developments which occurred within the recent years. Part II gives a general view of the matter concerned. Part III documents and reports.

I) Latest developments

Final evaluation of the Return Preparatory Actions (PDF File 1.3 MB) Final evaluation of the Return Preparatory Actions Tome 2 (PDF File 6.3 MB)

On the basis of a Commission proposal (COM (2005) 123 final, COM (2005) 123 final/3) the EP and the Council agreed by the end of 2006 on a draft Decision establishing the European Return Fund for the period 2008 – 2013 as part of the general programme 'Solidarity and management of migration flows'. Adoption of the Decision will take place in spring 2007. The Decision will enter into force the day following the publication in the Official Journal.

 

II) General context

To know more about the Framework Programme, you will find below information about its main characteristics:

1. Purpose
2. Beneficiaries
3. Resources and financial structure
4. National programmes
5. Community Actions

1. Purpose

The general objective of the instrument (applicable as of 1 January 2008) is to support the efforts of Member States to improve the management of return in all its dimensions through the use of the concept of integrated return management, with a preference to voluntary return and with a view to supporting a fair and effective implementation of common standards on return. To enhance the efficiency in return management at national level, the Fund shall also cover actions relating to voluntary return of persons who are not under an obligation to leave the territory, such as applicants for asylum who have not yet received a negative decisions or persons enjoying international protection. Such voluntary return actions were covered by the ERF I and II so far (2000-2007) but will be eligible under the Return Fund from 2008. There will be special emphasis on joint return actions by Member States.

2. Beneficiaries

All Member States participate, except Denmark. UK and Ireland have opted in.

3. Resources and financial structure

676 million Euro for the period 2008 – 2013 is divided as follows:

• 629 million distributed among the states on the basis of objective criteria expressing the the number of third country nationals subject or having been subject to return measures ('solidarity');
• 47 million (7% of the total annual resources each year) for Community actions.

4. National programmes

On the basis of Community strategic guidelines and in dialogue with the Commission, each beneficiary Member State will develop their own multi-annual programming strategy (2007 – 2013) on the use of the resources they receive each year. The strategy will constitute the framework for the implementation of actions through annual programmes. Each beneficiary state should take adequate measures to guarantee the proper functioning of their management and control system and the quality of implementation of their programmes.

Before 1 March each year the Commission shall approve the annual programme of each beneficiary Member State and take the necessary financing decision, allocating a pre-financing payment of 50%. Further payments will depend on the progress in implementation of the actions.

50% or, for Cohesion Fund countries and actions implementing specific priorities of the strategic guidelines, 75% of the actions can be co-financed by the Fund.

Examples of measures to co-finance are information to third country nationals on return, counselling on return options, specific assistance for vulnerable persons, costs of pre-medical checks, costs of travel and food for returnees, escorts, including medical staff and interpreters, education and training of staff, and, where appropriate, in the country of return, training of, cash incentives for and specific assistance to individual returnees ('reintegration measures').

5. Community Actions

Each year the Commission shall adopt an annual work programme and invite bids for calls for proposals and/or tenders for transnational actions and actions in the interest of the Community. The Commission shall be responsible for the management of the actions selected (centralised management). The annual work programmes will build on past experiences, in in particular the 2005 and 2006 preparatory actions for return.

 

III) Documents and Reports