New EU design: Return of illegal migrants more efficient

Von WOM

The discussion about the return of illegally intended migrants in the European Union is picking up on speed. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday evening that a new bill is in preparation. This should aim to make the return process more efficient and harmonize the procedures in the Member States.

from the Leyen emphasized the need that people without the right to stay actually have to be deported. At the moment, this happens to a very small extent, which underlines the need for action. A central point of the new law will be to establish clear obligations for the states in terms of return. The different practices and procedures of the EU countries should be adjusted in order to guarantee a more efficient process.

harmonization of the sloping racks

As a result, the Commission President announced that the future Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), will be responsible for the development of the law. The proposal includes the digital management of return cases. This measure is intended to ensure that decisions of a Member State are recognized faster and more easily by others, which means that potential alternative opportunities for migrants are closed.

"We need a new legal framework to improve our ability to act," said von der Leyen. It is about building a certain level of trust and harmonization, so that return decisions in one country are actually accepted in another. This procedure could counteract potential loopholes in the system that migrants could use to prevent return.

The announcement comes at a time when the EU countries are struggling with regard to the common European asylum system, which is due to come into force from June 2026. The reform provides for shorter asylum procedures at the EU's external borders. However, many Member States, such as the Netherlands, Poland and Hungary, have already exerted pressure in order to be excluded from the common asylum regulations. Austria also played an active role in this debate.

These new developments are a further step as part of the EU's efforts to improve control over their migration policy. Time will show how these initiatives can be implemented in reality. However, the challenges remain complex, especially when it comes to the balance between the legal state, human rights and migration policy goals.

For more information on this topic, the article on www.meinbezirk.at be revealing.