Weimers: “The era of deportations has begun.”

The European Parliament has strongly endorsed a stricter EU return system. Negotiations with the Council and the Commission on the new Return Regulation will begin this afternoon. The vote marks a clear political shift towards a more effective and credible migration policy focused on enforcement and results. The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group welcomed the outcome as a decisive step towards restoring control over illegal migration and ensuring that return decisions are no longer ignored, but implemented.

Speaking after the vote, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Charlie Weimers said:

“Today’s vote confirms a growing and stable majority in the European Parliament for more effective returns. Only one in five migrants ordered to leave actually do so. This is about restoring credibility. A functioning migration system must ensure that those who have no legal right to stay are effectively returned.

“The adopted position is closely aligned with the Council’s general approach, underlining a growing institutional consensus on the direction of EU migration policy.

“The outcome reflects a broad convergence in Parliament impose tougher sanctions on those who refuse to comply and reinforcing the external dimension of our migration policy. That means linking return cooperation more effectively to EU tools such as visa policy, and making full use of instruments like return hubs in third countries. These are essential if we are serious about delivering results.”

Despite pre-vote speculation about a narrow outcome, the final result demonstrated a clear and solid majority in favour of strengthening return procedures, despite opposition from parts of the left.

“This is a clear success for the ECR line. A stable majority has formed around practical, enforceable migration policies, while the centre-left and far left continue to defend approaches that have failed to deliver,” Weimers said.

The new Regulation replaces the outdated 2008 Return Directive, which has consistently underperformed, with only around 20 per cent of return decisions effectively enforced. The new framework introduces harmonised procedures, a European return order, and mutual recognition of return decisions, allowing decisions taken in one Member State to be enforced across the Union.

It also strengthens the tools available to national authorities, including tougher sanctions for non-compliance, such as lifetime entry bans and extended detention of up to 24 months. It reinforces obligations on individuals to cooperate with return procedures and introduces stronger measures to prevent absconding. The Regulation further expands the scope for addressing security risks, including the possibility of prolonged detention, and enhances investigative powers.

For the ECR Group, this vote confirms a broader political trend: a shift towards pragmatic, results-oriented policies prioritising enforcement, security, and public trust.

The vote passed with 389 votes in favour, 206 against, and 32 abstentions.