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2025/0059(COD)ETrilogues (interinstitutional negotiations)

Common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegallyin the Union (Return Regulation)

In interinstitutional negotiations (trilogues). Parliament and Council are working toward a provisional agreement, which would still need formal adoption to become law.

Last active 17 Jun 2026

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What this bill does

In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.

This proposal creates uniform EU rules to return non-EU nationals who have no legal right to stay.

Who it affects

It affects third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU, including rejected asylum seekers, visa overstayers, unaccompanied minors, families with children, and people considered security risks.

Core of the proposal
  • Requires return decisions, entry bans, removal rules, remedies, and non-refoulement checks under common EU procedures.
  • Creates a European Return Order to help Member States recognise and enforce each other’s return decisions.
  • Imposes cooperation duties on returnees, with consequences for non-cooperation and measures to prevent absconding.
  • Allows returns to third countries under agreements or arrangements, excluding unaccompanied minors and families with minors.
Key provisions
Transitional law
By 1 July 2027, the Commission must assess European Return Order arrangements before making mutual recognition mandatory by implementing decision.
Articles changed · 3 across 3 laws
  • Directive 2008/115/EC (32008L0115)
    • entire act: repeals the entire directive
  • Council Directive 2001/40/EC (32001L0040)
    • entire act: repeals the entire directive
  • Council Decision 2004/191/EC (32004D0191)
    • entire act: repeals the entire decision

Latest update

19 Jun 2026

The most recent development in this bill's progress.

Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations) → Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations)

Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations) → Trilogues (interinstitutional negotiations)

Documents

1 recent

SourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker