EU Parliament passes strict migration return regulation

On 17 June 2026 the European Parliament approved a new Return Regulation with 418 votes in favour, 218 against and 30 abstentions. The legislation tightens EU migration policy by expanding detention periods for irregular migrants to up to 24 months, with a possible six‑month extension, and by allowing authorities to conduct house and property searches. It also creates a framework for “return hubs” in third‑country territories where migrants awaiting deportation can be transferred; countries such as Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy have already explored such centres.

The vote sparked loud reactions in the chamber, with right‑wing MEPs chanting “Send them back” and left‑wing members shouting “Shame on you”. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrated the outcome as a historic success for Italy, citing the Albania model, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other opposition figures condemned the law as a breach of fundamental rights. Human‑rights groups warned that the expanded powers could undermine safeguards against refoulement and increase the risk of offshore detention.

The regulation marks a major shift in EU asylum and deportation policy, giving member states a uniform tool to enforce return orders across the bloc and signalling a broader political realignment toward tougher migration controls.