Brussels Presents Progress on Return Policy, but Crucial Measures Still Missing
Strasbourg 11/03/2025 - The presentation of the new European Return Regulation proposal marks a significant step towards a stricter and more effective migration policy. Patriots for Europe welcomes several positive developments but emphasizes that essential measures are still missing to truly regain control over illegal migration.
As underlined in the Patriots for Europe Group’s Budapest Declaration on Migration, the European Commission’s Pact on Migration and Asylum fails to adequately address the concerns of our citizens. As a result of this failed migration policy, approximately 500 000 return orders are being issued by Member States on an annual basis. A more effective return policy should be supported as a necessary but not sufficient step in the fight against illegal migration.
Steps in the Right Direction
The proposal allows for the establishment of return centers outside the European Union, a development the Patriots Group strongly supports. “These centers ensure that illegal migrants are processed outside the EU, reducing security risks for our citizens,” Jordan Bardella, president of Patriots for Europe, stated.
Additionally, the proposal extends detention possibilities. The Patriots Group welcomes the approach of closed return centers, ensuring that illegal migrants are prevented from causing disturbances or absconding. The extension of the entry ban to a maximum of ten years is also a necessary step to deter repeated illegal entries.
The introduction of the European Return Order, enabling a return decision in one Member State to be executed in another, is another positive move towards reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency in return procedures.
Critical Shortcomings
Despite these advancements, the proposal lacks a crucial element to ensure an effective return policy. “Without concrete consequences for countries that refuse to take back their own nationals, effective return will remain a challenge,” stressed Marieke Ehlers, shadow rapporteur for the Patriots for Europe. “Countries that fail to cooperate should automatically face sanctions on trade, visa arrangements, and financial aid.”
Patriots for Europe: No Majority Without Us
The Patriots emphasized that these proposals would not have been possible without the influence of the Patriots for Europe. “Without us, there will be no majority for a strict and fair return policy. It is crucial that we now take firm action and establish a migration system that is not only fair to migrants but prioritizes the safety and interests of our own citizens,” Ehlers added.
Call for Action
The Patriots for Europe Group calls on Brussels and fellow Member States to strengthen the current proposal by introducing binding and automatic sanctions against non-cooperative third countries. “It’s time to move from soft rhetoric to real action. Europe cannot afford to be passive while illegal migration threatens our security and stability,” Jordan Bardella concluded.
As the Patriots Group, we have consciously decided to always focus on substance and to stand in practice beside the victims of any similar tragedy with the aim of always shedding full light and justice to be delivered.