European Parliament Approves Strict New Migration and Return Regulation

The European Parliament approved a landmark migration reform on June 17, 2026, with a 418 to 218 vote in Strasbourg. The Return Regulation establishes a coordinated system to expedite the deportation of irregular migrants, including the creation of offshore return hubs in non-EU countries. These hubs are intended to facilitate repatriations and deter irregular migration, with leaders in Greece, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands aiming to make them operational by 2027. France and Spain opposed the use of EU funds for these centers.

The legislation introduces several strict measures: it expands the authority to detain migrants for up to two years (with some reports citing 30 months) for security risks or non-cooperation, shortens voluntary departure windows to 30 days, and extends entry bans up to 10 years. Authorities are also granted expanded powers to search homes and seize personal belongings. Furthermore, the EU may now freeze aid or impose trade sanctions on countries that refuse to accept their nationals back.

Right-wing lawmakers celebrated the vote with chants of "Send them back!", while left-wing members and human rights organizations condemned the law as a "dark chapter" that criminalizes migrants and risks creating legal black holes. Following the approval, the European Commission invited Taliban officials to Brussels for meetings on June 22-23 to discuss the readmission of Afghan nationals, a move opposed by the Belgian foreign minister. The law now awaits final formal approval from EU member states.