The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomes the political agreement reached in the trilogue on the EU Returns Regulation.

Europe is finally moving from symbolic policy to actual returns. This agreement replaces the outdated 2008 Returns Directive and delivers a stronger, enforceable framework to boost the return rate of illegally staying third-country nationals. According to European Commission figures, only around 20 per cent of return decisions are currently enforced.

ECR Shadow Rapporteur Charlie Weimers MEP said:

“For six years, the left-wing majority in the European Parliament blocked any serious attempt to modernise Europe’s returns system. Their focus was on protecting illegal migrants through procedural delays and restricting enforcement.

“This agreement marks a clear shift. A return decision must now mean exactly that: you leave Europe.”

The new Regulation introduces faster and more harmonised return procedures across the European Union. It strengthens cooperation obligations for illegally staying migrants and expands the tools available to Member States to prevent absconding and address security risks.
This includes tougher detention rules with longer periods and stricter regimes for those who do not cooperate, as well as stronger investigative measures to identify illegally staying third-country nationals and facilitate their return and readmission. The agreement expands the definition of security threats — including low-level repeat offenders — enabling longer detention, stricter regimes, and longer or indefinite entry bans. Entry bans are lengthened significantly: up to 10 years as the general rule, 20 years in substantiated cases, and indefinite bans possible for security threats. The agreement also enables Member States to establish return hubs in third countries, strengthening the external dimension of EU migration policy.

Weimers said:

“If Europe wants control over migration, third countries cannot continue to refuse cooperation without consequences.

“The Union has committed to using all external instruments and tools including visa policy, trade and development assistance to enforce cooperation on returns from third countries.”

The agreed text will now proceed to the on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and then to the European Parliament plenary for final approval, expected as soon as possible. The ECR Group will continue to push for the full and effective implementation of this Regulation, delivering a stronger return policy and restoring control over migration.