INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — The European Parliament has endorsed the opening of negotiations with the Council on a new legal framework for the return of people without the right to remain in the European Union.
With 389 votes in favour, 206 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs agreed to proceed to the next stage of the legislative process for an updated EU common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU.
According to a statement issued by Polona Tedesko, Press Officer (SI), the vote on Thursday followed three separate requests by the S&D, Greens/EFA, and The Left political groups challenging the 9 March 2026 decisions taken in the Civil Liberties Committee, in line with rule 72 of Parliament’s rules of procedure.
The statement added that rapporteur Malik Azmani (Renew, NL) will lead Parliament’s negotiating team. Parliament’s negotiating position and a summary of key points are available, with the first round of negotiations with the Cyprus Presidency scheduled to take place shortly.
If the regulation is eventually adopted, illegal immigrants found without legal grounds to remain in the EU would face formal removal procedures. These would include identification, detention where necessary, and repatriation to their country of origin or transit, with safeguards in place for vulnerable individuals such as minors and asylum seekers.
The reforms aim to strengthen coordination between member states, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable results in managing migration across the Union.
