Common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegallyin the Union (Return Regulation)
0102030405
Adopted. The legislative procedure is complete.
Last active 07 Oct 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
08 Oct 2026The most recent development in this bill's progress.
Adopted → Adopted
Adopted → Adopted
Documents
1 recentSourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker