The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a political agreement on Monday on a new regulation governing the return of migrants without the right to stay in the European Union, paving the way for the creation of return hubs in third countries.
According to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the agreement aims to accelerate return procedures and improve the overall effectiveness of the EU’s return system.
“Today’s agreement strengthens the credibility of EU migration policy and complements the Pact on Migration and Asylum, while respecting fundamental rights,” said Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides.
Stricter obligations for migrants
The new regulation introduces tighter requirements for individuals subject to return decisions, including:
- A clear obligation to cooperate with national authorities
- Compliance with procedures for leaving the member state concerned
Return hubs outside the EU
A key element of the agreement is the establishment of a legal framework for return hubs in third countries.
These facilities may serve as:
- Final destinations for returns, or
- Intermediate transit centres facilitating deportation to countries of origin or other third countries
Safeguards are included to ensure respect for fundamental rights.
European Return Order
The regulation also introduces the European Return Order (ERO), a standardised document containing the key elements of each return decision.
The aim is to:
- Improve information sharing between member states
- Enable faster recognition and enforcement of return decisions issued elsewhere in the EU
Recognition of decisions
Mutual recognition of return decisions between member states will remain voluntary for now, with a planned review after the new system comes into force.
The regulation also includes specific provisions for individuals considered a risk to public order or security.
Next steps
The political agreement must now be formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council before entering into force.
The new rules form part of the broader EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is due to begin implementation on 12 June 2026.
