EPP delivers on migration

Today, the European Parliament adopted its position on the new Return Regulation, marking a decisive step towards restoring control over migration in Europe and complete the final pillar of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The adopted mandate reflects the EPP Group's commitment to a fair but firm migration policy ensuring that those who do not have the right to stay in the EU are returned effectively.

"Without enforcing return decisions, there is no credible migration policy. Every year, nearly half a million people are ordered to leave the EU, but only one in five actually returns. That is simply unacceptable, and today we are fixing it. With this vote, we are one step closer to completing the final piece of the Migration Pact, as we move into the final negotiations with the Council.

It is deeply regrettable that the Socialists could not support a balanced and pragmatic approach, especially when their own governments have already agreed to these measures. Europe needs responsibility, not political games," said Tomas Tobé, EPP Group Vice-Chair and the European Parliament’s chief negotiator on the Migration Pact.

"The new regulation replaces the ineffective 2008 Return Directive. The new rules will impose clear consequences for those who do not cooperate with return procedures, make sure migrants do not disappear during the process, prevent the abuse of our rules to delay or obstruct the process and extend the use of detention and entry bans where necessary. They will also establish a clear legal framework for return hubs in third countries to make returns more effective.

This is a real turning point. After years of deadlock, Europe will finally have the tools to enforce its own migration rules. The EPP promised results and today we deliver," said EPP Group negotiator François-Xavier Bellamy MEP.

Trilogue negotiations with Member States, in the presence of the LIBE Chair and the Renew rapporteur, will begin later today.