Stanisavljevic emphasized the importance of this collaboration, underscoring that the main goal is to improve the system of voluntary migrant return and provide conditions for successful reintegration, according to a statement from her office.

The statement also highlighted that the partnership with the ICMPD represents a significant step toward a more efficient and humane approach to migration management.

This Memorandum enables the implementation of the EMPOWER program, which will support the enhancement and operation of the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program in Serbia in alignment with national, European, and international human rights standards.

“The project will also contribute to strengthening the capacity of the Commissioner’s office, establishing a counseling system for return and reintegration, and improving the infrastructure that supports this process,” Stanisavljevic said.

The EMPOWER project, central to this agreement, will be implemented over the next two years, with support from the European Union and the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the statement added.

This initiative aims to establish a National Program for Voluntary Return and Reintegration, aligned with European standards and strategies in this area.

Also present at the event was Melita Gruevska Graham, ICMPD’s Special Representative for the Western Balkans.