“This is a turning point” – Return means return

Backed by the EPP Group, the European Parliament today gave its final approval to the new Returns Regulation, marking a decisive step towards a European migration policy that delivers on its promises.

For years, Europe’s return system has failed: too many return decisions were never enforced, undermining citizens’ trust and encouraging illegal migration. With this new Regulation, the European Union is replacing an ineffective framework with stronger, clearer, and more effective rules.

The EPP Group has consistently pushed for a system where decisions are followed by action.

"Today we are closing a chapter of ineffective returns. A migration system without effective returns is not a credible system," said EPP Group Vice Chair Tomas Tobé MEP.

"Europe is finally giving Member States the tools they need to make returns work: stronger cooperation with third countries, better enforcement and clear consequences for those who refuse to cooperate. We need a migration policy that is fair and effective."

The new Regulation strengthens the EU’s ability to enforce return decisions, improve cooperation with countries of origin and transit, and prevent repeated abuse of the system. It also allows Member States to develop return centres outside the EU in cooperation with partner countries.

"This is a turning point," said François-Xavier Bellamy MEP, EPP Group negotiator on the law.

"After decades of failure and years of deadlock, Europe is ending its powerlessness in the face of illegal immigration. This Regulation gives Member States the possibility of establishing return centres outside Europe and removes one of the main obstacles to effective returns: the refusal of some countries to take back their own nationals."

Bellamy added: "No one can claim any longer that Europe has no tools to act. The rules are now in place. The responsibility lies with governments to use them."

The EPP Group believes that effective returns are an essential part of a comprehensive migration policy, alongside stronger external borders, faster procedures and cooperation with international partners.

"Europe must be able to decide who enters, who stays and who must return," Tobé concluded. "Today’s vote restores credibility to our migration policy and puts enforcement back at its centre."