About the RRF - Return and Reintegration Facility

WHAT WE DO

The Return and Reintegration Facility (RRF) supports EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries (MS) in enhancing the effectiveness, coordination and sustainability of their return and reintegration systems.

Through operational and financial support, RRF develops solutions with clear EU-added value, bridging gaps between national initiatives and EU-level frameworks.

The RRF also contributes directly to the EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration, promoting harmonised, rights-based, and results-oriented approaches across the European Union.

RRF operates under a governance structure that unites the European Commission (DG HOME), MS, and Frontex, which provides strategic guidance and oversight. It is chaired by MS on a rotating basis, while ICMPD serves as the implementing partner, offering technical expertise and administrative support for the Facility’s day-to-day implementation. Together, these actors ensure that the RRF remains operational, responsive, relevant, and aligned with EU priorities.

Background

In the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, launched by the European Commission in 2020, the establishment of an effective common EU system for return is a core element¹.

The EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration, adopted in April 2021, promotes voluntary return and sustainable reintegration support as an integral part of the common EU system for return. Voluntary return aims to ensure the humane, effective and sustainable return and reintegration of irregular migrants. As for effective reintegration measures, the Strategy aims at supporting not only individuals at different levels and needs, but also the structures and services that make reintegration possible, including fostering local ownership over the reintegration process.

Both the Pact and the Strategy underline the importance of developing innovative common solutions with an EU-added value within the field of return and reintegration. The RRF supports the implementation of the Strategy and return-related ambitions in the Pact by providing a mechanism for the development of such projects, which should be complementary to other activities in this area financed by the European Commission and by Frontex.

¹ While the EU return policy prioritises voluntary return, both voluntary and forced return are key elements of an effective return policy.