The EU reached a deal Monday on a new tightening of migration rules allowing for so-called "return hubs" to be set up outside the bloc, as countries seek to boost deportations. Spain is the only EU country to vote against this measure.
European lawmakers and countries struck a provisional compromise on the reform, which was launched in response to political pressure to curb migration -- paving the way for its final approval.
Spain was the only country to vote against the return regulations at the EU Council meeting in December 2025 and the Sánchez government is expected to maintain its opposition in the final vote by the European Parliament.
It's yet another example of how Spain is an outlier in Europe currently when it comes to tougher migration policies, opting instead for more progressive measures such as the ongoing regularisation of 800,000+ undocumented migrants living in the country.
"Today's agreement shows that we are bringing our European house in order," said Magnus Brunner, the European Union's commissioner for migration.
