On 15 June 2026, the European Parliament published a consolidated set of amendments to the proposed Regulation establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union. The single amendment, tabled by The Left group, calls for the complete rejection of the Commission's proposal, replacing the entire draft legislative resolution with a motion to dismiss the file. This is the first formal amendment to the proposal, which aims to replace the existing Return Directive (2008/115/EC) and related instruments.
The amendment represents a fundamental challenge to the legislative initiative. The Left group's position is that the proposal is flawed on grounds likely related to human rights, proportionality, or the securitisation of migration policy. If adopted, the amendment would force the Commission to either withdraw the proposal or submit a new one. No other political group has tabled amendments at this stage, indicating that the main political battle over the substance of the text is yet to come.
Stakeholder impact
The proposed regulation, if enacted, would harmonise return procedures across EU member states, potentially speeding up deportations and reducing secondary movements. This would benefit national authorities seeking more efficient returns, but could impose new compliance costs on member states with more migrant-friendly systems. Migrant rights organisations and NGOs would likely oppose the regulation, arguing it could lead to increased detention and reduced procedural safeguards. The Left's rejection amendment, if successful, would preserve the status quo, maintaining the current patchwork of national return policies and the existing Directive.
Institutional follow-up
The amendment will be considered in the responsible committee (likely the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs) before a plenary vote. The Council is expected to adopt its own position, after which trilogue negotiations would begin. The absence of amendments from other groups suggests they may be waiting for the committee stage to engage on specifics. The legislative process is at an early stage, and the outcome remains uncertain.