The New European System for Returns

While return rates are only at 20%, the European Commission has decided to establish a common European System for Returns. The announcement was made by Von Der Leyen in the political guidelines and called for by the European Council in October 2024. The new rules should allow for a faster and more efficient processing of asylum applications. This System comes to complement the Pact on Migration and Asylum which will come into effect in mid-2026.

“The news rules include:

• Common procedures for all the European countries

• Mutual recognition of return decisions so EU countries don’t need to start a new process

• Clear rules on forced returns, while incentivising voluntary return

• Explicit obligations to cooperate otherwise clear consequences such as the reduction or refusal of allowances or seizure of travel documents

• Respect of fundamental and international human rights standards

• Reinforced rules to prevent unauthorised movements

• Specific rules for people posing security risks

• Readmission as part of the return process

• Return hubs”

The last rule means that an EU country can conclude an arrangement with any third country who respects fundamental human rights so they can return people who are illegally staying in the EU. 

“Today only around 20% of those who have a return decision leave Europe. This number is by far too low. This is why we will put in place common rules for return decisions, with a European Return Order, and mutual recognition of return decisions by Member States. We will always fully respect fundamental rights and international law, but those with no right to stay must be swiftly removed, and there must be clear consequences for those who do not cooperate.” Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission