The European Parliament backed a major overhaul of the European Union’s return policy, advancing legislation intended to speed deportations, expand detention periods and strengthen cooperation among member states.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The European Parliament approved a major overhaul of the European Union’s return policy for illegal migrants on Wednesday, backing legislation designed to accelerate deportations, increase detention periods and improve coordination among member states.
The measure passed by a vote of 418 to 218, with 30 abstentions.
It was supported by lawmakers from the European People’s Party, the European Conservatives and Reformists, Patriots for Europe, and Europe of Sovereign Nations groups. Left-wing and Green lawmakers opposed the legislation, arguing that it could undermine migrant protections and fundamental rights.
Under the new framework, deportation orders issued by one EU member state will be recognized across the bloc through the creation of a European Return Order.
Supporters say the change is intended to prevent migrants who have been denied the right to remain in one member state from moving to another EU country to avoid removal.
The legislation also creates a legal obligation for migrants facing deportation to cooperate with authorities.
Migrants considered likely to abscond, refuse cooperation or present security concerns may be detained while removal procedures are carried out.
Administrative detention periods would be extended to a maximum of 24 months, with the possibility of an additional six-month extension in certain circumstances.
National authorities would also receive broader powers to prepare deportations, including the ability to search residences, personal belongings and electronic devices, subject to judicial or administrative authorization.
The legislation further allows EU member states to establish agreements with non-EU countries to host so-called “return hubs.” Migrants subject to removal orders could be transferred to those locations before being returned to their countries of origin.
Italy had already reached such an arrangement with Albania. The new EU framework would formally authorize similar agreements, provided they comply with international law.
Hungarian MEP András László welcomed the vote but said implementation would determine whether the policy succeeds.
“Adopting new rules isn’t enough. European citizens have had enough. The EU and national governments must now deliver on removing illegal immigrants from the EU!” László wrote.
Polish MEP Anna Bryłka said the reforms are necessary because the existing return system has failed to enforce deportation decisions.
“These changes are crucial because currently, only about 20 percent of illegal migrants who have been denied the right to stay in the EU actually leave its territory,” Bryłka said.
Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally and an MEP, said the vote represented a break from previous EU migration policy.
“The return regulation has been adopted,” Bardella wrote. “After years of denial, the European Union is finally equipping itself with instruments commensurate with the stakes to move beyond migratory laxity.”
Bardella credited the result to sustained pressure from National Rally lawmakers.
“This is a first step in the right direction, achieved thanks to the constant mobilization of the National Rally deputies,” Bardella said. “We will continue the fight by organizing a referendum in 2027 to fully regain control of our migration policy.”
The Sweden Democrats also praised the result, writing: “The age of Willkommenskultur is over, the era of mass deportations has begun.”
After the result was announced, nationalist lawmakers in the chamber celebrated by chanting, “Send them back.”
Dutch MEP Malik Azmani, who served as rapporteur for the legislation, said the EU had finally adopted effective return measures after nearly two decades of political deadlock.
The legislation must still receive formal approval from the Council of the European Union before it enters into force.
Some provisions, including those related to return hubs, are expected to take effect immediately after formal adoption. Most of the new rules will become applicable 12 months after the law is introduced.
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