The President of the European Commission sent a letter to the 27 EU Member States, responding, among other things, to the request of Home Affairs ministers to increase the efficiency of the EU’s return system. In her letter, Ursula von der Leyen stressed that only 20% of third-country nationals ordered to leave have actually returned. She admitted that a new legal framework would be necessary to act more efficiently in this matter. Ms von der Leyen announced that "the Commission will present a new proposal for legislation that would define clear obligations of cooperation for the returnee, and effectively streamline the process of returns, with digitalisation of case management and mutual recognition of each other ’s decisions". She added that the proposal would foresee "solid rules for the removal of those who pose a serious threat to public order or internal security".

Further, in her letter, speaking of innovative ways to counter illegal migration, Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU "should also continue to explore possible ways forward as regards the idea of developing return hubs outside the EU, especially in view of a new legislative proposal on return". She referred to the start of operations of the Italy-Albania protocol and noted that the EU would be able to draw lessons from this experience in practice.

To address the challenges of migration, Ursula von der Leyen also proposed to:

• Accelerate the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum;
• Continue building comprehensive partnerships with key third countries;
• Step up the use of leverage through our visa and other policies
• Tackle people smuggling and human trafficking;
• Counter hybrid warfare and strengthen security at our borders;
• Address the challenges stemming from the conflict in the Middle East;
• Set out a way forward for Ukrainians in Europe;
• Preserve and strengthen Schengen

For further details, please read the letter dated from 14 October 2024.