Votes · 26 March 2026
Common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union (Return Regulation)
This vote is about the return of foreigners staying irregularly in the EU (Return Regulation).
Background
Today, many return decisions concerning people with no right to stay in the EU are never carried out. This regulation, negotiated with governments, toughens and harmonises the rules. Supporters want more effective returns; opponents worry about fundamental rights.
- Lets member states make agreements with non-EU countries to send people due for return there (“return hubs”), but not unaccompanied minors.
- Widens the use of detention for people likely to abscond or posing a security risk, up to 24 months in some cases.
- Creates a “European return order” recorded in the Schengen Information System, which another EU country can enforce.
- Requires the people concerned to cooperate with their departure.
Adopted: 389 for, 206 against, 32 abstentions, 91 did not vote.
Reference: A10-0048/2026