New Common European System for Returns

On 11 March the Commission proposed a Common European System for Returns, a new legal framework with the aim to have swifter, simpler and more effective return procedures across the European Union. Returns concern non-EU nationals who have no legal right to stay in the EU after having received a return decision in one of the EU Member States.

Currently, successful returns of such people are around 20 percent, while the current return rules differ across Member States, which creates loopholes enabling system abuse. The new rules bring clarity and give Member States tools and the necessary legal basis to make returns more efficient while fully respecting fundamental rights.

The proposal includes mutual recognition of return decisions across Member States, clear rules on forced return, while incentivising voluntary return, stronger obligations for returnees balanced against clear safeguards and stricter rules to limit abuse and manage absconding. Specific rules are put in place for people posing a security risk so they can be identified and returned faster. The legislation also introduces the possibility to create return hubs in third countries, where individuals with a return order staying illegally in the EU can be returned, based on an agreement or arrangement concluded bilaterally or at EU level. Such an agreement or arrangement 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. Families with minors and unaccompanied minors are excluded and the implementation of such agreements or arrangements must be subject to monitoring.

The proposed legal framework is a key piece to complement the Pact on Migration and Asylum adopted last year. It is now for the European Parliament and the Council to agree on the proposal. The Commission will support co-legislators to advance on negotiations for this draft Regulation.

Find out more

Proposal to establish a Common European System for Returns

Press release

MEMO QandA

Factsheet - A Comprehensive Migration Approach

Factsheet - A New Return System

Irregular migration and return

Latest statistics on returns