10 member states provided detailed information and statistical data on their removal policy, forced returns and assisted returns. This query was launched by the French EMN NCP

Home Affairs Ministers met at the JHA Council in Brussels on 19 October. They discussed progress on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum and exchanged views on the EU’s approach to the external dimension of migration. They stressed that the EU should efficiently use all the tools at its disposal to develop a preventive model which would hinder irregular departures, as well as to foster the effectiveness of returns.

After the terrorist attack perpetrated by an illegally staying failed asylum seeker in the centre of Brussels on 16 October, various policymakers plead for better follow-up of failed asylum seekers and stricter enforcement of orders to leave the territory.

The Council adopted a series of conclusions on the future of the return policy and approved more money to tackle the refugee crisis. The EMN will be used to monitor whether disparities among Member States' programmes could lead to return shopping.