The Reference Group of the Budapest Process met on 4 March for the 13th time since its establishment in 2021. 5 years after its inception, it is a timely moment to reflect on the Reference Group’s main aims and achievements to date.
How does the Reference Group supports the Budapest Process?
Within the architecture of the Budapest Process, the Reference Group brings together a selected group of participating states that actively contribute to guiding the work of the Dialogue, as the Chairmanship of the Dialogue, Co-Chairs of the Thematic Working Groups as well as main donors. The BP Chairmanship proposed the Reference Group as a tool for strategic guidance of the dialogue, as well as supporting the development of new initiatives and projects in line with the political commitments made in Ministerial Conferences. The revised Terms of Reference provide further insights into the RG’s work.
*Learn more about Reference Group meetings and it Terms of Reference.
What are the main outcomes of the Reference Group to date?
The Reference Group has been instrumental in the negotiations of the 7th Ministerial Declaration and its Call for Action, supporting decision-making and supporting the setting up of the Thematic Working Groups. More recently, the Reference Group has been a space for BP partners to discuss engagement on Syria and Afghanistan. Its task for 2026 is to further support the operationalisation of the three Thematic Working Groups working on Law Enforcement Cooperation, Return & Reintegration as well as Legal Pathways.
What is a rotating membership?
The Reference Group includes three rotating members for a two-year mandate. These states do not need to chair or fund the dialogue and are invited to participate in the Reference Group meetings to support its objectives. In January 2026, the BP Secretariat launched a Call for Expressions of Interest inviting all Budapest Process Participating and Observer States to the possibility of a rotating membership in the Reference Group from 2026 – 2028. The mechanism allows countries to take a more active role in the strategic steering and operationalisation of the Dialogue in line with the Ministerial Declaration and the Call for Action 2025-2030.
