EU Parliament passes strict migration return law

The European Parliament approved a new EU return regulation with 418 votes in favour, 218 against and 30 abstentions. The legislation, backed by the centre‑right European People’s Party (EPP) together with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and far‑right groups, creates the bloc’s toughest migration rules in decades.

Key provisions include: a “European Return Order” that lets any member state enforce a deportation decision issued by another; detention periods up to 24 months (with a possible six‑month extension) for non‑cooperating or security‑risk migrants; the removal of the automatic suspension of deportations while legal appeals are pending; and the creation of “return hubs” – external facilities in third‑country partners where migrants, except unaccompanied minors, can be transferred for processing. Agreements with third‑state partners must respect fundamental rights, international law and the principle of non‑refoulement.

The law also expands powers to search residences and seize devices, and allows alternative measures such as regular reporting, financial guarantees or electronic monitoring. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the vote as a historic success for Italy and the EU, citing a protocol with Albania as a model for the external hubs. The regulation now moves to the EU Council for formal adoption and will enter force after publication in the Official Journal.