The EU Council, led by the Cypriot Presidency, and the European Parliament have reached a provisional political agreement on a new Returns Regulation concerning third-country nationals residing illegally in member states. The agreement, finalized in Brussels on Monday evening, aims to establish clear obligations for unauthorized residents, including the obligation to leave the member state and cooperate with national authorities.

The new regulation introduces the European Return Mandate, a standardized document facilitating mutual recognition of return decisions between member states, initially voluntary but subject to review after three years. It also raises the maximum detention period for irregular migrants awaiting return from six months to 24 months, with a possible six-month extension.

The regulation allows member states to enter return agreements with third countries, provided they respect international human rights standards. Unaccompanied minors are explicitly exempt. The EU Commissioner for Migration, Markus Brunner, emphasized that the regulation will accelerate return procedures and increase the number of returns, reinforcing the credibility of the EU’s migration policy. Final approval by the Council and European Parliament is expected soon after legal and linguistic review.