The Return Regulation undermines fundamental rights, weakens safeguards, and takes EU migration policy backwards. The Socialists and Democrats Group reject this regulation – a product of European People’s Party (EPP) and far-right cooperation – and will vote against it in Plenary later today.
If endorsed by Parliament, the regulation would pave the way for legally dubious Return Hubs in third countries – to which families with children can be sent – without a clear and binding legal framework. It also opens the door to ICE-style deportation raids and reduces incentives for voluntary returns, despite evidence that voluntary return schemes are often more sustainable and effective. Moreover, it allows the detention of families with children and unaccompanied minors for up to 30 months in each member state.
The S&Ds had stood ready to negotiate constructively on Returns and work towards an agreement with other pro-European parties. Instead, the EPP chose to build a majority with the far right.
The S&D Group remains committed to a fair and workable European migration policy, including returns, based on solidarity, responsibility, and respect for human dignity.
Ana Catarina Mendes, S&D vice-president, said:
“This vote is about the kind of Europe we want to be. Returns can be part of a functioning migration system, but they must always respect human dignity and fundamental rights.
“Instead, this regulation risks normalising legally questionable practices that would have been unthinkable in the European Union only a few years ago. Return Hubs raise serious legal and ethical concerns, while proposals resembling ICE-style deportation raids move Europe in the wrong direction.
“Europe must show that effective migration management and respect for our values go hand in hand. This text fails that test.”
Murielle Laurent, S&D shadow rapporteur on the file, said:
“We negotiated throughout this process in good faith, seeking a compromise that pro-European parties could support. Instead, the EPP chose to build its majority with the far right.
“The fingerprints of the far right are all over this regulation. From the substance of the text to the way the negotiations were conducted, this process has prioritised political signalling over responsible law-making.
“Migration policy deserves careful, evidence-based solutions. Europeans expect workable rules, not political games.”
