New EGN paper published: Reflection and resources on guardianship and return descisionmaking for UAC

EGN reflections and resource paper on guardianship and return decisionmaking for unaccompanied children, October 2025

This Paper arises out of an analysis and discussion of the Commission proposal for a Return Regulation (hereafter “the Proposal”). The Paper focuses on the Proposal’s specific provisions on unaccompanied children. In particular, EGN discussions considered the provisions of guardianship. They also concerned the application of the best interests principle, potential countries of return, transnational cooperation between EU States, age assessment, legal assistance and appropriate reception conditions. The Paper is being published to share important reflection points and resources for EGN members and other stakeholders when considering these issues. It does not define the positions of individual EGN Members