A drone view shows the European Union flags outside the European Commission headquarters, known as the Berlaymont building in Brussels, Belgium, on April 29, 2026. [Yves Herman/Reuters]
European Union lawmakers and governments agreed on Monday on new rules allowing countries to send migrants ordered to leave the bloc to centres in third countries, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups that warn it could enable abuses.
The deal is part of a broader tightening of EU migration policy amid pressure from right-wing parties, even as irregular arrivals fell 26% last year to their lowest level since 2021.
The legislation, which still requires formal approval by EU governments and the European Parliament, was proposed by the European Commission last year. The commission says it would streamline procedures and give governments more tools to deport people while respecting fundamental rights.
Rights groups dispute that assessment.
