1 June 2026 14:19 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission welcomes political agreement on Return Regulation

Key points

Welcomes agreement establishing Common European System for Returns
Says new rules will make returns swifter, simpler, and respect fundamental rights

TL;DR

Commission welcomes political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council to establish a Common European System for Returns.
Regulation introduces common procedures, a European Return Order, mutual recognition of return decisions, stricter rules on forced return and absconding, and the possibility of return hubs in third countries.
Commission says all return measures must respect international human rights standards, including non‑refoulement.
Regulation must be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council and will replace the 2008 Return Directive after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Commission welcomes political agreement on the Return Regulation Brussels, 1 June 2026 The Commission welcomes today's political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the Regulation establishing a new Common European System for Returns . Proposed by the Commission in March 2025, the new rules on returns are a key deliverable under this Commission's political guidelines and the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy. It is a core element of the EU's comprehensive approach on migration, complementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum . The Return Regulation will give Member States the tools necessary to make returns more efficient, with swifter, simpler and more effective procedures across the European Union, in full respect of fundamental rights. The new common rules include: A truly European system in the form of a Regulation, with common procedures for the issuance of return decisions and a European Return Order, ending the current fragmentation at EU level. Mutual Recognition of return decisions, with Member States now able to recognise and directly enforce a return decision issued by another Member State. Stronger rules on forced return, which becomes mandatory when an illegally staying person poses a security risk, fails to cooperate, absconds to another Member State, or does not voluntarily leave the EU by a mandated deadline. At the same time, the Regulation encourages voluntary return through strengthened return and reintegration assistance. Stricter rules against absconding , including the possibility to require returnees to provide financial guarantees, report regularly or reside at a designated place. Stronger rules for people posing a security risk so that they can be identified and returned faster. The Regulation also introduces the possibility to set up return hubs in third countries, where people with no legal right to stay in the EU and subject to a return decision can be returned. For this, agreements or arrangements can be concluded with a third country that respects international human rights standards and principles in accordance with international law, including the principle of non-refoulement. Strong safeguards throughout the entire return process: all measures related to return must be carried out in full respect of fundamental and international human rights standards. Next steps The Regulation must be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before it enters into force, which will happen after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The Regulation replaces the existing Return Directive from 2008. Background Although the return rate increased to 28% in 2025 – the highest return rate in the past 10 years – the number of effective returns is still too low and the effectiveness of the return system must be further improved. The new rules agreed today do exactly that – they will help Member States increase the return of persons without a legal right to stay in the EU, with simpler, faster and more effective procedures. In parallel, the Commission, together with Member States, is continuing to work with third countries to increase cooperation on readmission and return. This includes the use of incentives, such as readmission instruments, financing tools, visa and trade policy as part of the EU's migration diplomacy outreach to third countries. For more information Pact on Migration and Asylum Commission proposes a new Common European System for Returns Proposal to establish a Common European System for Returns IP/26/1222 Quote(s): "The political agreement reached in trilogues marks a decisive step forward. A credible and effective policy on return is an important part of a well-functioning migration management system. These new rules will ensure swifter, simpler, and more effective procedures across the European Union for returning non-EU nationals who have no right to stay, in full respect of international law and fundamental rights." Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy "Today’s agreement shows that we are bringing our European house in order. With the new rules, we have more control over who can come to the EU, who can stay and who needs to leave. This is what citizens expect and this is what we are delivering." Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Press contacts: Markus LAMMERT (+32 2 29 67533) Fiorella BOIGNER (+32 2 29 93734) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

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