EU institutions have agreed on a new set of rules aimed at accelerating the return of third-country nationals who are staying illegally in the bloc, following negotiations between the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. The reform introduces a formal obligation for individuals subject to return decisions to actively cooperate with national authorities throughout the procedure.
Officials say the overhaul is designed to address persistent low compliance rates, with only around one in four people ordered to leave the EU actually doing so under the current system. The new framework seeks to streamline procedures and reduce delays across member states.
Under the agreement, refusal to cooperate, attempts to obstruct the process, or absconding may lead to stricter enforcement measures, including detention. Authorities will be allowed to hold individuals considered at risk of evading return for up to 24 months, depending on the circumstances.
The rules introduce particularly strict provisions for individuals deemed to pose a threat to public order or national security. Such cases will be subject to accelerated removal procedures, mandatory enforced return, extended re-entry bans, and broader grounds for detention. A new independent legal basis for arrest and detention has also been established for those classified as security risks.
