EU ministers adopt new system for returning illegal migrants after vote by Hungary and 22 others

The Council of EU ministers voted Thursday to adopt a regulation that sets up a unified system for the return of illegal migrants from EU territory. Under the new rules, migrants who receive a return decision - apart from unaccompanied minors - can be transferred to a “return centre” located in a non-EU country that has signed an agreement guaranteeing respect for human rights and the principle of non-refoulement. Such centres may serve as final destinations or interim stops; Italy previously attempted a similar arrangement in Albania.

The regulation also imposes mandatory cooperation, with possible detention of up to two years, residence bans, financial guarantees, or electronic monitoring for non-compliant individuals. The vote recorded 23 affirmative votes out of 27, with Spain voting against, Belgium abstaining, and Denmark and Ireland not voting due to internal security exemptions. The measure now awaits formal publication before entering force.