EU adopts new Return Regulation to speed deportations and expand detention

On 17 June 2026 the European Parliament approved a new EU-wide Return Regulation, passing with 418 votes in favour, 218 against and 30 abstentions. The law aims to accelerate the removal of third‑country nationals who have no right to stay in the Union. It introduces a "European Return Order" that will eventually allow one Member State’s expulsion decision to be recognised and enforced by others, and creates optional – later mandatory – agreements with non‑EU states for "return hubs" where deportees can be transferred, excluding unaccompanied minors.

The regulation also expands detention periods: standard detention may last up to 24 months and can be extended by a further six months in cases of risk of absconding or changed circumstances, potentially reaching 30 months. The EU currently returns about 28% of ordered migrants; the new rules seek to raise that figure by tightening procedures and extending administrative detention.

Human‑rights groups warn that the measures could lead to indirect refoulement and harsher conditions for asylum seekers. The story is illustrated by the case of Murad, a Syrian who arrived in Germany in 2022, was denied asylum in 2025 and now faces a deportation order that could expose him to a tribal vendetta and possible death, highlighting the personal impact of the policy shift.