The European Parliament experienced a heated session with chants of “send them back” following the approval of a major reform to the European Union’s migrant return policy. This development signals a shift towards stricter immigration laws in response to growing voter dissatisfaction.
On Wednesday, a vote passed with 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions, endorsing the Return Regulation. This measure aims to expedite the deportation of third-country nationals who are illegally residing in the EU. Right-wing lawmakers responded with applause and chants, while their left-wing counterparts expressed disapproval by chanting “shame on you.”
The legislation still needs the Council of the European Union’s formal approval and must be published in the Official Journal before it takes effect. This incident highlights ongoing divisions in Europe over migration policies, despite progression towards previously controversial measures.
The new regulations would allow member states to detain certain migrants for up to 24 months, with a possible six-month extension. They also propose establishing “return hubs” in third countries willing to receive migrants under return decisions.
Supporters argue that the changes are necessary due to the EU’s challenges in enforcing deportation orders. According to the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), only about 20% of migrants subjected to return orders are deported, as per European Commission data.
These developments follow reports from Fox News Digital about the European Union’s efforts to strengthen border and asylum policies due to increasing concerns regarding illegal immigration. New measures include more rigorous screening, identification, and security checks, as well as the use of biometric data.
Conservative leaders celebrated the Parliament’s decision. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni termed the outcome “a great success,” and right-wing figures in France and Austria viewed it as proof of their influence on EU policy.
Opponents criticized the legislation for dehumanizing migrants and diminishing essential protections. Javi López, a socialist vice president in the European Parliament, described the session as “disgraceful,” and Italian Green and Left Alliance MEP Ilaria Salis deemed the event “horrifying.”
Human rights groups echoed these concerns. United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk warned that the new policies might lead to increased detention and undermine safeguards against forced returns.