The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) has adopted its position on the proposed changes to the EU’s policy on the return of non-EU nationals illegally staying in the EU. Among the key measures, third-country nationals with a return decision must cooperate with authorities, may be returned to an agreeing third country, and could face detention of up to 24 months if they do not cooperate or risk absconding. The vote now moves to the full Parliament for approval, paving the way for negotiations with the Council on the final form of the legislation.

A joint initiative coordinated by the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) has brought together over 100 organisations across Europe to urge EU institutions to reject the proposed Return Regulation. The statement, issued on 11 February 2026, highlights concerns that the regulation could expand immigration detention, limit access to essential services, and increase surveillance and control over people in an irregular situation. The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is scheduled to vote on the proposal in early March 2026.

On 4 February 2026, Human Rights Watch published World Report 2026, its annual review of human rights worldwide. In a chapter on the European Union, the report highlights concerns that EU policies and Member State actions may undermine the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It notes, inter alia, restrictions on access to asylum, measures aimed at increasing removals, and the transfer of responsibility to third countries. The report also draws attention to human rights issues at EU borders and deaths at sea.

Tijdens dit evenement worden de belangrijkste uitdagingen van het Europese terugkeersysteem besproken, waaronder verschillen in praktijken tussen lidstaten en obstakels bij gedwongen terugkeer. Vervolgens richt de conferentie zich op lopende wetgevende ontwikkelingen en hun gevolgen voor migratiebeheer en het Schengengebied. De deelnemers bespreken de rol van een gemeenschappelijk en effectief terugkeersysteem ter ondersteuning van samenwerking en migratiebeheer onder het nieuwe Pact over Migratie en Asiel. 

The European Commission’s proposed Return Regulation introduces measures to increase return rates across the EU. These include extended detention periods, returns to non-EU countries with no prior personal ties, offshore “return hubs”, and obligations for individuals subject to return orders. Over 200 civil society organisations have raised concerns about fundamental rights, legal uncertainty, and disproportionate impacts. They call on EU institutions to withdraw the proposal and reject it in its current form.