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.

In a letter to the 27 EU Member States, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the Commission will present a new proposal for legislation to ensure solid rules for the removal of irregularly staying third-country nationals, including those posing a threat to public order or internal security. She also referred to possible "return hubs" outside the EU, drawing lessons from the start of operations of the Italy-Albania protocol.