EU Moves Closer to Tougher Returns Policy as Parliament Prepares Key Vote

EU lawmakers are set to vote on Thursday on whether to open negotiations with EU governments on a major overhaul of the bloc’s rules governing the return of migrants without the legal right to remain in the European Union.

The vote will determine whether the European Parliament begins interinstitutional talks with the Council on the proposed reform, following a decision by the Civil Liberties Committee on 9 March to adopt Parliament’s position and back the start of negotiations. The move comes after separate requests from the S&D, Greens/EFA and The Left groups triggered a plenary vote under Parliament’s procedural rules.

If approved, negotiations could begin immediately with the rotating EU Council Presidency, currently held by Cyprus, with a first round potentially taking place as early as Thursday.

The proposed reform seeks to tighten and harmonise EU return procedures for third-country nationals who do not have the right to stay in the bloc. It introduces new obligations for individuals to cooperate with national return authorities and strengthens cooperation between member states through mutual recognition of return decisions.

The draft also allows for extended detention periods of up to 24 months or longer in certain circumstances, alongside provisions exploring the use of “return hubs” in third countries outside the EU as part of efforts to speed up removals.

Supporters of the reform argue that the current system is fragmented and ineffective, with low return rates undermining the credibility of EU migration policy. Critics, however, have raised concerns over the expansion of detention powers and the legal and human rights implications of offshore return arrangements.

The outcome of Thursday’s plenary vote will determine whether the Parliament formally enters negotiations on one of the most politically sensitive elements of the EU’s migration and asylum framework reform agenda.