Summary

Switzerland and Tunisia jointly chair a conference in Lausanne on May 12, 2026 as part of the Rabat Process. Over 30 European and African states are meeting to strengthen the link between sustainable reintegration of returned migrants and development in countries of origin. Switzerland has assumed the presidency of the euro-African dialogue on migration and development in 2026. In 2025, 132,660 people returned from EU states to their countries of origin.

Actors

  • Switzerland (Chair)
  • Tunisia (Co-Chair)

Topics

  • Migration and return
  • Sustainable reintegration
  • Euro-African dialogue
  • Development policy

Clarus Lead

The Lausanne conference marks a strategic reorientation of European-African migration policy: return is no longer understood solely as a deportation mechanism, but as a development investment. With 132,660 returnees from the EU alone in 2025, there is considerable potential for knowledge transfer and local economic development – provided reintegration succeeds. Switzerland's assumption of the Rabat presidency positions the country as a mediator between African countries of origin and European destination countries and signals human rights-based migration governance.

Detailed Summary

The Rabat Process is an institutionalized dialogue between 28 African and 29 European states as well as actors such as the EU and the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS). It provides a consultation format for countries of origin, transit, and destination to develop coordinated migration solutions. Switzerland has pursued a holistic approach in its migration partnership with Tunisia, which has existed since 2012: secure borders, regular migration pathways, dignified return, and protection of migrants.

The Lausanne conference focuses on linking reintegration and development in countries of origin. Returned migrants are understood as development actors who can strengthen their home countries economically through knowledge transfer and microenterprise creation. This strategy addresses a structural problem: return without prospects leads to re-migration. The conference aims to bring together governments, civil society, and the private sector to create innovative, concrete solutions.

Key Messages

  • Sustainable reintegration is a key element of effective migration governance while respecting human rights
  • Returned migrants can serve as development actors in their countries of origin
  • Switzerland's presidency of the Rabat Process in 2026 strengthens euro-African cooperation in the migration sector

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: What empirical data demonstrates that reintegration programs actually prevent re-migration and promote development in countries of origin?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do European states pursue the Rabat Process primarily for return targets to control borders rather than genuine development partnership?

  3. Causality: Are the 132,660 returnees in 2025 actually supported through reintegration programs, or does return often occur without structural support?

  4. Feasibility: How are concrete investments in microenterprises in countries of origin financed and monitored to prevent capital flight?

  5. Power Dynamics: Do African states have equal say in the Rabat Process in shaping migration policy, or do European interests dominate?

  6. Long-term Sustainability: Is the Lausanne conference a one-time event or the beginning of institutionalized follow-up processes with resource allocation?

Sources

Primary Source: Swiss Federal Government – Statement on the Rabat Conference 12.05.2026 https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/NqOBGOLCaMK79UvLFtaFn

Verification Status: ✓ 12.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 12.05.2026