On 11 March 2025, the European Commission published its proposal for a new Common European System for Returns aimed to ensure swifter, simpler, and more effective return procedures across the EU. Announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the political guidelines and backed by the European Council in October 2024, this initiative complements the Pact on Migration and Asylum adopted last year. 

One of the main initiatives is the establishment of “return hubs” – detention centres outside European borders in third countries – where migrants would await the return decision and the readmission procedure. Migrants deemed to be a security risk could be sent to a third country based on bilateral or EU-level agreements.  

This new approach integrates migration into the European security dimension. Deportees classified as security risks would be subject to automatic EU-wide entry bans, making re-entry much more difficult. Those classified as security risks will be subject to forced deportation, with possible re-entry bans of up to 20 years. The proposal is said to clarify what constitutes a ‘security risk’.  

It also includes a new European Return Order to establish mutual recognition of return decisions. This means that a return decision made by one Member State would automatically be applied throughout the EU, avoiding the need to start a new procedure in another Member State. To achieve this, the EU would provide Member States with the necessary tools and financial support, if requested, to ensure effective enforcement. Deportation decisions would be standardised with a form through the Schengen Information System (SIS).  

This proposal codifies the rights and obligations of returnees. Migrants would have access to information, legal advice, free legal aid and the right to appeal, as well as monitoring mechanisms to ensure the protection of fundamental rights. In return, returnees are obliged to cooperate with the authorities, to remain in the designated country, to provide accurate information and to keep their documents. Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to detention pending return, with clear consequences for non-cooperation. 

Finally, the proposal clearly mentions mandatory forced returns for those who do not cooperate, are considered a security risk or remain in the EU after the decision. Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner stressed in his presentation to the European Parliament that the EU must ensure that those who are obliged to leave its territory do so either voluntarily or by force. 

Key texts:  

• European Commission: Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission 2024-2029 

• European Commission: Pact on Migration and Asylum 

• European Parliament and Council: Dublin Regulation III 

Upcoming events:   

• 19 March: LIBE Committee meeting 

• 20-21 March: European Council meeting 

European Movement International’s Position  

The Commission’s new common approach on returns runs the risk of undermining the need for a humane approach, by proposing the establishment of detention centres outside the EU’s borders in third countries that would be deemed ‘safe’ under the agreements, calling them ”return hubs”. This raises serious concerns about non-compliance with international law and fundamental rights, as these detention centres would be outside EU jurisdiction and lack oversight by European authorities. Similar agreements, such as the UK-Rwanda Deal and the Italy-Albania Deal, have previously been ruled unlawful by the courts. 

As outlined in our policy position entitled Towards a More Effective and Humane European Migration and Asylum Policy, the EU must ensure a humane and effective approach to migration and asylum policies. Ongoing conflicts, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, alongside humanitarian crises in the Mediterranean, highlight the need for a comprehensive and harmonised EU response that upholds human dignity and solidarity. 

The foundation of any migration policy must be built on solidarity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to fundamental rights. A ‘Fortress Europe’ not only undermines the essence of the EU but also contradicts its core values, and the open nature of Europe and Schengen cannot be compromised – no matter what. The principles of openness, compassion and inclusiveness should guide all policies.    

The EU should prioritise integration and civil society engagement. Successful integration reduces fear and prejudice while fostering social cohesion. To support integration, the EU must ensure faster access to education, training, and employment. Additionally, actively involving Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in policymaking is essential for developing inclusive, effective, and responsive migration strategies. 

Furthermore, the European Commission’s current proposal fails to guarantee the fair distribution of asylum seekers and refugees across EU member states. A clear mechanism for mandatory burden-sharing is needed to achieve a balanced allocation of responsibilities. The outdated Dublin Regulation must be reformed to prevent disproportionate responsibility on frontline countries. Financial aid should support responsibility-sharing, not deportations. Sufficient resources, including funding and personnel, must be allocated to improve asylum processing and reception conditions. 

Finally, the EU must prioritise strengthening international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and create safe, legal pathways to reduce the risks of irregular migration. Additionally, it should protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, by improving identification procedures, providing specialized training, and ensuring adequate reception facilities as part of a human-centred migration pact.