Italian MEP Roberto Vannacci (ESN) has asked the European Commission whether Spain's extraordinary migrant regularisation scheme, which saw over 1.2 million applications before the 30 June 2026 deadline, complies with the newly adopted EU common system for returns and the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The written question, submitted on 3 July 2026, targets the Spanish government's Royal Decree 316/2026, which Spain's Supreme Court has already ruled a 'blanket scheme' potentially at odds with EU migration law.
whether the Commission considers the scheme compatible with the new returns regulation (EU) 2025/0059 and the Pact (EU) 2024/1351; whether it has launched or plans a formal assessment of the decree's compliance; and what steps it will take to ensure uniform application of the returns regulation before its entry into force. The MEP also highlights the Supreme Court's concern that the scheme's failure to consult other member states violates the principle of sincere cooperation (Article 4(3) TEU), as regularised migrants gain free movement rights within Schengen.
The question signals a push for stricter enforcement of EU migration rules and challenges Spain's unilateral approach. The Commission typically must reply within six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it views the scheme as a breach of EU law and whether it will open infringement proceedings or refer the matter to the Court of Justice.