The meeting brought together representatives from 15 Member States and Switzerland, as well as the European Commission, Frontex, ICMPD, IOM and other relevant partners. It provided an opportunity for participants to exchange on current priorities and recent developments in the field of return and reintegration.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration, recent developments in national return and reintegration programmes, and cooperation under the European Union Reintegration Programme. Participants also reflected on operational challenges and emerging practices in return and reintegration assistance. The meeting further addressed data sharing among Member States on return and reintegration assistance, with a focus on how information exchange could be made more structured and effective. This exchange was particularly relevant in light of ongoing digitalisation efforts and the need for reliable, comparable and up-to-date information on return and reintegration support.

Through its role as Co-Chair, Belgium aims to contribute to continued cooperation and exchange between Member States, the European Commission, international organisations and civil society organisations on return and reintegration policy and practice.