European Parliament adopts stricter migrant return rules across EU

The European Parliament voted on 17 June to adopt a new EU regulation that tightens procedures for returning illegal migrants. The text replaces the 2008 return directive and was passed by 418 votes in favour, 218 against and 30 abstentions.

Key provisions include extending administrative detention for up to 24 months (with a possible additional six months for high‑risk individuals), establishing "return hubs" and chartered flights for deportations, and creating a European Return Warrant that makes a removal decision in one member state automatically enforceable throughout the Union. The regulation also introduces longer prison terms for non‑cooperation, lifetime entry bans for serious threats, and the ability to withdraw trade preferences and visa facilitation from countries that refuse to take back their citizens.

Support came mainly from right‑wing and conservative groups such as Patriots for Europe, while left‑wing parties and NGOs criticised the longer detentions and the concept of return hubs. The changes aim to raise the EU's return rate, which currently stands at roughly 20 percent, by facilitating faster and more coordinated expulsions across member states.