Humane and Effective Return Governance: Evidence, Gaps and Pathways for the European Union and its Member States

This policy brief synthesises findings from the Horizon Europe project GAPs, a three‑year interdisciplinary study (2023–2026) conducted in 11 countries by 17 partner institutions and more than 50 researchers. EU return governance is facing an enduring implementation gap: orders to leave remain high, while effective returns and sustainable reintegration outcomes remain limited. GAPs evidence indicates that addressing this gap cannot be achieved through “more enforcement” alone; it requires…

Return Infrastructures, Return Governance, Evidence Gaps PathwaysInside GAPsJanuary 30, 2026SPIA

Sweden’s Return Turn: Legal Gaps, Policy Shifts and Reform Recommendations

This policy brief draws on in-depth empirical and legal analysis carried out within the Horizon Europe GAPs project, particularly the Sweden country dossiers on legal and policy infrastructures of return (WP2) and return migration infrastructures (WP3). These studies systematically examine Sweden’s regulations, policies, institutions, and statistics on return and readmission, situating national developments within broader EU frameworks and Pact reforms. Building on this evidence base, the brief distils the most salient findings into a concise set of policy-relevant insights and reform recommendations on return governance.

Return Infrastructures, Infrastructure PoliciesInside GAPsJanuary 5, 2026Uppsala University

Controversies surrounding coerced returns: A plea for a transparent, knowledge-based, and inclusive migration policy

Are there alternatives to the permanent crisis mode of German migration policy, and what might they look like? This analysis seeks answers—and solutions—within the multi-level and multi-stakeholder infrastructure that implements migration and return policy in Germany. Drawing on empirical research, it traces its inherent and politically induced lines of conflict, which revolve around objectives and target groups, the legitimacy of means, the necessity of legal certainty, around…

Return infrastructures in Greece between detention and irregularisation. Policy insights and recommendations.

This policy brief draws on research conducted within the Horizon project “GAPs – Decentring the Study of Migrant Returns and Readmission Policies in Europe and Beyond”. It presents key findings and policy recommendations concerning Greece’s three Return Migration Infrastructures (RMIs): forced returns, pushbacks, and the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program implemented by the IOM…

Policy Briefs

Funding

Project Coordination