The European Parliament has cleared the way for a controversial tightening of EU immigration policy.
389 members of parliament voted on Thursday in Brussels to initiate negotiations with the Council on a new legal framework for the return of people who do not have residence rights within the EU. 206 MPs opposed the motion, and 32 abstained. A first round of talks with the Cypriot presidency of the Council is expected to take place soon.
The proposed law would permit the deportation of asylum seekers to so‑called “Return Hubs” outside the EU. It also introduces clearer rules for returning individuals and incentives for voluntary repatriation of migrants. Rejected asylum seekers would be required to cooperate with their return, and refusal could trigger cuts to welfare payments or the seizure of travel documents.
Prior to the vote, negotiations between the European People’s Party and right‑wing factions over the legislative package generated controversy. Ultimately, the package was adopted with the backing of right‑wing parties, including the AfD.
