One of the flagship reintegration initiatives under the RRF has successfully reached its conclusion in May 2026, marking a major step forward in Armenia’s reintegration landscape.
The project, “Local Ownership for Sustainable Reintegration in Armenia” (LOSRA), implemented by ICMPD in close partnership with national authorities, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the country’s capacity to support its returning citizens. Launched in July 2022, LOSRA set out with a clear ambition: to empower the Armenian Government to take stronger ownership of return and reintegration processes, with a particular focus on returnees from the European Union.
Building on the solid foundation laid by the ERRIN Government‑to‑Government project, which concluded in June 2022, LOSRA ensured continuity while elevating impact, innovation, and sustainability.
Key Achievements at a Glance
Over the course of its implementation, LOSRA delivered tangible and lasting results, significantly strengthening Armenia’s reintegration ecosystem:
Seamless Institutional Transition
In response to government reforms that reassigned reintegration responsibilities to a newly mandated authority, the project demonstrated consistent flexibility. Activities were strategically adjusted to support this transition, ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities while maintaining operational continuity. Through targeted capacity-building and practical exchanges, the new institution was well-equipped to lead and sustain reintegration efforts effectively.
Stronger National Capacities
A core pillar of LOSRA’s success lies in empowering practitioners. Staff members from the Unified Social Service (USS) in Yerevan and five key regional centres were trained through tailored, needs-based training programmes. These trainings enhanced both knowledge and hands-on skills, enabling professionals to manage reintegration processes more efficiently and respond to returnees’ needs with confidence and expertise.
Enhanced Coordination Through Reintegration Forums
Collaboration became a cornerstone of progress. The state-led Return and Reintegration Forums, held quarterly, emerged as vital platforms for dialogue and coordination. Bringing together more than ten relevant stakeholders—including government bodies, civil society organisations, and international partners—these forums fostered knowledge exchange, collective problem-solving, and the sharing of best practices, strengthening the overall effectiveness of reintegration efforts nationwide.
Tailored Support for Lasting Impact
Recognising that every returnee’s journey is unique, LOSRA prioritised customised, needs-based assistance. By addressing socio-economic and psychosocial challenges, and complementing existing support mechanisms (including those provided through Frontex’s EURP), the project ensured that interventions were both relevant and impactful. This approach minimised duplication, maximised efficiency, and ultimately contributed to more sustainable reintegration outcomes.
Both components of the project – capacity development activities and provision of complementary reintegration services – have significantly strengthened the return and reintegration of Armenian returnees. They have also contributed substantially to fostering local ownership, while generating important insights into country-specific contexts that informed return counselling at the pre-departure stage, thereby creating added value for EU Member States. Relevant quote from a participating Member State:
Thanks to the project, we increased our knowledge on the Armenian context and its evolving reintegration frameworks. What was specifically interesting for us was the strong local ownership component, and the fact that the project was embedded into the national and local practices. As a result, we were able to adapt our counselling approach in Belgium, based on returnees needs and the realities on the ground. Bringing together stakeholders is key for MS to ensure that returnees are placed at the heart of the process and receive all the support available — Policy Officer, Fedasil / Belgium
As LOSRA comes to a close, it leaves behind important progress, including strengthened national systems, enhaced institutional capacities, and a coordination framework for future work. The project reflects the value of close cooperation, practical approaches, and a sustained commitment to supporting reintegration efforts.
