The Council of the European Union has agreed its position on a proposal for an EU regulation establishing a common system for the return of third‑country nationals staying in the EU illegally. The proposed regulation introduces common procedures, obligations for those without the right to stay, and tools for cooperation between Member States. It also allows for the creation of return hubs in third countries. Negotiations with the European Parliament will follow to agree on the final text.

The European Commission has released a proposal for a regulation establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union. The new rules introduce, among other things, stronger obligations for returnees and the legal possibility of returning individuals who are illegally staying in the EU and have received a final return decision to a return hub in a third country. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU must now examine and negotiate the proposal.