Today, the European Commission is proposing a Common European System for Returns with swifter, simpler, and more effective procedures across the EU. Announced by President von der Leyen in the political guidelines, the new framework complements the Migration and Asylum Pact. With current return rates at 20%, a unified legal structure is crucial.
The new system includes:
- A unified European system with common procedures and a European Return Order, reducing fragmentation.
- Mutual recognition of return decisions, allowing enforcement across states without new procedures.
- Clear rules on forced and incentivized voluntary return, ensuring cooperation or enforcing consequences.
- Strong safeguards ensuring respect for human rights, with specific rules for vulnerable groups.
- Stricter rules to manage non-compliance and absconding, including detention conditions.
- Specific measures for security risks, with extended detention under judicial order.
- Readmission procedures bridging return decisions and actual returns, including data transfers for readmission purposes.
- Return hubs for innovative management solutions, excluding minors and families.
Next steps: The European Parliament and Council will discuss the proposal. The Commission will aid in negotiations and publish supporting documents.
Background: The new system replaces the 2008 Return Directive, aligning with the 2026 Migration and Asylum Pact, ensuring prompt follow-up on asylum applications.
For More Information
- Proposal to establish a Common European System for Returns
- MEMO
- Factsheet - A Comprehensive Migration Approach
- Factsheet - A New Common European System for Return
- European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs
- Latest statistics on returns (Eurostat)