An important step toward a stricter migration policy has been taken in the EU. The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) recently passed a new Return Regulation by 44 votes to 29. The final vote in the European Parliament will take place tomorrow.

Sweden Democrats’ MEP Charlie Weimers, vice chair of the ECR group and active in migration questions, highlights the decision as a victory for a more realistic policy.

In a post on platform X, Weimers writes: “Illegal immigrants will be deported. Now it’s getting closer.”

Weimers points out that the old 2008 directive was toothless and resulted in only about a quarter of deportation decisions being enforced. The new regulation aims to tighten rules with faster procedures, penalties for lack of cooperation, clearer obligations for those subject to deportation, the possibility of return hubs in third countries, and better tools for member states.

What the Regulation Entails

The proposed rules replace the outdated 2008 Return Directive and aim to make deportations more effective. Among the new features:

EU · Migration Policy
This is what the EU’s new deportation rules mean

1
Mutual recognition of deportation decisions
From 2027, a deportation decision in one EU country will be recognized and enforceable in all other member states.

2
Return hubs in third countries
So-called return hubs will be set up outside the EU to facilitate and carry out deportations.

3
Longer periods of detention
Extended detention will be possible – in some cases even for families and children.

4
Entry ban to the EU
Those who do not cooperate may be denied entry to the EU — up to permanent bans for those considered a security risk.

5
Stronger requirement for cooperation
Those eligible for deportation will be given a clearer personal responsibility to cooperate in their return.

The decision was made in the European Parliament’s LIBE committee, which is responsible for questions about migration, legal affairs, and civil rights. An alternative compromise proposal from the EPP, supported by ECR, Patriots for Europe, and other groups, gained a majority there.

This marks a shift toward a stricter migration policy, driven by conservative parties after years of an almost open-door policy that has put significant pressure on European societies and left many of the promised benefits unrealized.

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Weimers argues that the EU needs a more effective policy concerning deportations and return migration. At the same time, he emphasizes that deportations are fundamentally a national matter, but the EU legal framework needs to be reformed to become more effective.

Reactions and Criticism

The decision has received praise from immigration critics. It is seen as a necessary step to restore control over borders and strengthen the credibility of migration policy. At the same time, there are hopes that it will help remedy the extensive social issues in several EU countries.

Left-leaning critics, including organizations such as Amnesty International and NGOs, warn of “punitive” measures, risks to human rights, and that return hubs could become “legal black holes.” They especially highlight the expanded detention opportunities for migrants and risks to children.

In Sweden, where issues around unenforced deportations, serious crime, clan structures, and parallel societies have long been the subject of debate, Samnytt has repeatedly reported on how the low enforcement rate increases social costs and complicates work against crime.

If the European Parliament votes yes on Wednesday, the matter goes on to trilogue negotiations between the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission. The goal is a final regulation that gives member states real tools.

READ MORE: Ekeroth: “It’s not that hard to deport”