Seminar: Nordic cooperation within return and readmission

The seminar is organized by Delmi – the Migration Studies Delegation of Sweden.

This seminar will explore how Nordic countries cooperate on return and readmission, drawing on findings from an upcoming report. The report maps both formal and informal networks across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, analyzing the structure, challenges, and opportunities within this collaboration. It highlights that cooperation primarily takes place at the operational level through flexible and decentralized authority networks. However, challenges such as a lack of transparency and accountability remain.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the report underscores the need for clearer common political objectives, broader stakeholder involvement—including NGOs—and standardized processes. Nordic initiatives in third countries, such as NORAQ in Iraq, are highlighted as successful examples of cooperation.

The seminar will address key questions, including:

• How can shared Nordic values and cooperation structures be balanced with the national migration and return policies of individual countries?
• How can concepts such as effectiveness, sustainability, and humanity be concretized to ensure that Nordic return efforts meet both legal and humanitarian standards?
• What specific reforms are necessary to enhance Nordic cooperation on return, both at the political and operational levels? Would a more formalized structure be beneficial, or are more flexible, adaptive solutions better?

Participants:

• Anna Hammarstedt, Delmi
• Iris Luthman, Delmi
• Natalya Carlsson, Swedish Police Authority
• Knut Holm, UDI Norway
• Martin Lemberg-Pedersen, University of Warwick

Moderator: Alice Petrén