Data Package: Task 8.2 - Dataset - Dyadic Enforced Return Outcome: EU- and Third Country Cooperation in Return Enforcement

This dataset contains dyadic enforced return data from EU/EEA countries (European Union and European Economic Area) to non-EU third countries worldwide (2009-2024). Enforced return here refers to the process where non-EU nationals whol lack a legal right to stay in an EU country are compelled to leave, either voluntarily or through forced removal. There are 79879 dyad-year observations and 41 variables. The dataset's return outcome variables include: orders to leave (OTL) issued, returns following an OTL, and rates of enforced return. Return modality breakdown (forced versus voluntary) is available for a subset of the data (2014-2023). In addition, the dataset includes country-level and bilateral factors that may shape enforcement outcomes. These factors are grouped in four categories: return and readmission capacities, interstate relations and leverages, domestic political and economic pressure, and historical and sociocultural ties. All data are from publicly available sources.