Euro-Mediterranean experts and policy actors gathered in Malta and online to discuss migration partnerships and return and reintegration strategies: On 27 and 28 October, representatives of EU Member States and Southern Partner Countries, as well as migration experts, gathered in Valletta (Malta) and online to reflect on the future of migration partnerships and on the new EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration.
The events, organised by the EUROMED Migration V Programme in collaboration with and under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Malta, saw the participation of over 70 experts and policy actors who were paired up to explore the potential of migration partnerships as vectors for strengthening ‘capacities’ and to foster sustainable opportunities in the region. The discussion, opened by Malta’s Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement, Hon. Byron Camilleri, touched upon institutional capacity development in migration management, capacity-centred practices aiming to optimise the allocation of skills and human capital, and the correlation of migration and other public policy areas in delivering equitable economic outcomes and long-term responses to migration drivers.
In addition, online and in-person participants engaged in a dynamic discussion with a representative of the European Commission on the new EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration. The perspective of receiving countries in strengthening the reintegration component of return programmes was particularly considered and exemplified by the illustration of successful cooperation initiatives in the Euro-Mediterranean region and beyond.