The Belgian Federal Migration Centre published today a report on the Belgian return policy after the transposition of the EU-Return Directive.

The study generates a checklist which aims to assist Member States in developing their processes for considering the return of children informed by national good practices.

This conference will allow the general public to learn and discuss the findings of the CONTENTION project which examines the different dimensions of the lawfulness of detention with differing practices and differing forms of implementation at national and European level.

In a Communication adopted today, the Commission stresses that Member States have generally ensured that the Return Directive is transposed in their national law but that there is scope for improvement in the practical implementation of the Directive and of return policies in general.

During this morning session, ADDE proposes to highlight and discuss applicable rules, recent case law and practices in the field of removal and return of foreigners.

The new Belgian Law of January 19, 2012 (published on 17 February 2012) transposes the EU Return Directive, modifying the current legal framework on removal and detention, and putting more emphasis on voluntary departure.