Normalising criminalisation and forced deportations – SOLIDAR reaction to Returns Regulation

The European Commission tabled its proposal for a new Return Regulation in March 2025, framing it as the “missing piece” of the Pact, while the Council swiftly agreed on a mandate centred on accelerating removals, expanding detention and enabling return hubs in third countries.

The European Parliament’s position, adopted on 26 March after a highly contentious and protracted process marked by more than 2400 amendments, intense political pressure and threats from right and far‑right parties to bypass the rapporteur, ultimately consolidates an approach that prioritises deterrence, control and sanctions, further embedding the criminalisation of people on the move within EU migration policy.

We are deeply concerned about the overall direction of the European Parliament’s position, which endorses a return policy centred on enforcement rather than rights. The EP report advances a framework that criminalises people on the move, expands coercive and externalised removals beyond protection guarantees and erodes procedural safeguards, leaving migrants increasingly defenseless.

Find here below our full reaction.