EU Parliament adopts stricter Return Regulation for migrants

On 17 June the European Parliament approved a new EU Return Regulation with 418 votes in favour, 218 against and 30 abstentions. The law aims to speed up the removal of third‑country nationals who are unlawfully present in the bloc, allowing detention of up to 24 months (extendable in limited cases) and requiring individuals to cooperate with authorities. It also expands cooperation with third‑country “return hubs” and grants member states additional tools such as regular reporting, financial guarantees and electronic monitoring.

The president of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Bishop Mariano Crociata, warned that the measure raises “serious ethical and humanitarian questions” and could undermine the protection of fundamental rights and the dignity of vulnerable persons. He urged that migration policy respect the “inviolable dignity of every person”.

A Slovak online poll reflected public anxiety, with respondents fearing that stricter rules might turn their country into a “waiting room for migrants”. The vote still requires formal endorsement by the Council of the EU before the regulation enters force.