The European Parliament has finally approved new rules for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the European Union.
The regulation was approved with 418 votes in favor, 218 against and 30 abstentions, with the support of the European People’s Party and right-wing forces.
Under the new rules, a return decision means an obligation to leave the territory of the Member State concerned immediately or within a certain period of time. Migrants can also be held in detention centres for up to 24 months.
Another important element of the regulation is the possibility of transferring migrants, with the exception of unaccompanied minors, to “return centres” located on the territory of third countries.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described this decision as a historic achievement for Italy and for all of Europe.
“In this way, Italy has achieved a great success in Europe. The European Parliament has approved the new regulation on returns, a historic measure that is also the fruit of the work of the Italian government and that allows us to return more quickly those who do not have the right to stay in the EU,” said Meloni in a video published on social networks from Evian, where he is for the G7 summit.
She emphasized that the regulation also provides for the opening of return centers in third countries, following the model of Italy’s agreement with Albania.
“Today, Europe follows the path opened by Italy with the protocol with Albania, an innovative solution that was opposed by the left, but which has now become an instrument for the entire EU,” she declared.
Meloni added that the objectives remain clear: protecting the borders, drastically reducing landings, fighting human traffickers and the immediate return of those who do not have the right to stay.
“We promised the Italians that we would change Europe and we did it, with courage and determination. I will not stop.”