The European Parliament cleared the way for a controversial tightening of EU immigration rules. On Thursday in Brussels, 389 Members of Parliament voted in favour of opening negotiations with the Council over a new legal framework for the return of persons without lawful residence in the EU. Opposition was 206 votes, with 32 abstentions. The first negotiation round with the Cyprus presidency is expected to take place shortly.
The draft law would enable the deportation of asylum seekers to so‑called “Return Hubs” outside the EU. It also introduces clearer rules for returns and incentives for the voluntary repatriation of migrants. Asylum seekers who are rejected will be required to cooperate with their return; refusal could trigger cuts to subsistence benefits or the seizure of travel documents.
Earlier talks between the European People’s Party (EVP) and right‑wing factions stirred controversy. The package was ultimately adopted with the backing of right‑wing parties, including the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).