The Platform brought together representatives of public authorities, civil society organisations and international experts from Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Türkiye to discuss common challenges and share practices. The EMN was invited to participate in light of the work of the REG, which is co-chaired by Belgium and the European Commission and supports the exchange of information and practices between Member States on return-related issues. The invitation also reflected the ongoing cooperation between the EMN and IDC on alternatives to detention.

Exchanging experiences and practices across Europe

The European Peer-Learning Platform is an initiative of IDC, based on a similar platform established in the Asia-Pacific region in 2019. It aims to bring together government representatives and other organisations to share experiences, discuss common challenges and learn from approaches to alternatives to detention in different countries.

During the two-day meeting, participants discussed national developments in alternatives to detention, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new EU Return Regulation, as well as challenges related to putting alternatives to detention into practice.

Particular attention was given to community-based approaches, individual case management and cooperation between different organisations. Discussions also focused on the importance of access to information, legal advice and support services, and on adapting support to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of migrants.

Participants shared examples of approaches and initiatives from their respective countries. These included different ways of providing individual guidance and case management to migrants, with the aim of finding sustainable solutions, such as legal residence and voluntary return and reintegration.

From Belgium, representatives of the Immigration Office, the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil) and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Belgium contributed to the exchanges. Examples of Belgian initiatives included the Individual Case Management (ICAM) coaching model developed by the Immigration Office, shelter and orientation projects coordinated by Fedasil, and community-based support provided by JRS Belgium.

The programme also addressed the impact of immigration detention, international human rights standards and the opportunities and challenges of using alternatives to detention in different national contexts.

On the second day, participants visited Fundación Cepaim in Madrid, a Spanish organisation supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Its work includes reception and accommodation services, legal advice and individual support to help people become more independent and integrate into society. The visit provided an opportunity to learn about these activities, particularly its approach to individual case management and community-based support, and their relevance to alternatives to detention.

Supporting further exchanges within the EMN Return Expert Group

The meeting provided an opportunity for the EMN to learn from experiences in other countries and exchange views with stakeholders working on alternatives to detention. The practices and challenges discussed could provide useful input for future exchanges within the EMN Return Expert Group, while supporting continued cooperation with IDC and other organisations active in this field.