In Brussels, the European Union Council and the European Parliament have agreed new return rules that will affect how member states handle expulsion orders. The text allows for deportation centres in third countries and detention for more than two years in some cases.
The agreement comes as the EU continues to tighten migration policy. According to European Commission data cited in the article, irregular arrivals fell by 26% in 2025, while deportations rose by 28% last year, the highest percentage in a decade.
The new regulation means expulsion orders can be recognised across the EU, so all member states will be responsible for enforcing them, even if they did not issue the original order. The law is also set to enter into force sooner than some governments wanted, with many measures applying once the final text is approved.
Under the deal, if authorities decide a person does not have the right to stay in Europe, they can be ordered to leave immediately or within a set period. If a person is seen as not cooperating, as a flight risk, or as a security risk, detention of up to two and a half years may be allowed. The text also includes alternatives such as electronic monitoring or bail.
The agreement goes further than the European Commission’s original proposal by opening the door for unaccompanied minors and families to be detained as a last resort and for the shortest possible period. It also allows member states to create return centres in third countries, but only with countries that respect human rights, international law and the principle of non-refoulement.
Several governments, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Greece, are already working on such centres. The final text still needs formal approval from both the Council and the Parliament before it can take effect. For more EU and Catalonia coverage, see our news tag.