EU Parliament adopts new return regulation for irregular migrants

The European Parliament approved a new EU return regulation with 418 votes in favour, 218 against and 30 abstentions. The law obliges irregular third‑country nationals to leave the member state immediately or within a set period, allows detention of up to 24 months (extendable in certain cases), and authorises the creation of "return centres" in third countries, excluding unaccompanied minors.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the vote as a historic achievement for Italy and the EU, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticised the measure, calling it contrary to Spain’s migration policy. Opposition parties and the European bishops’ conference warned that the rules could undermine fundamental rights and dignity of vulnerable migrants.