EU tightens migration rules with harsher deportation and detention policies
New EU migration rules have been agreed upon by right-wing political groups in the European Parliament. The changes will make it easier to deport migrants living illegally in the European Union and extend detention periods to up to 24 months. The reforms still require formal approval from all 27 member states before taking effect.
The proposed measures also broaden the definition of security risks and allow authorities to search and seize belongings during deportations. A vote in the civil liberties committee is scheduled for Monday, with final ratification expected by the end of March.
Negotiations on the reforms were led by Swedish lawmaker Charlie Weimers of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists group. The agreement follows the failure of Dutch liberal MEP Malik Azmani to broker a centrist compromise, prompting his resignation from the talks.
Under the new rules, filing an appeal against deportation will no longer automatically pause the process. Countries will also gain greater flexibility to set up deportation hubs in non-EU nations. The reforms are part of a wider effort to tighten EU migration policies ahead of the 2024 European elections.
The changes come as part of the GEAS reform package, which still needs formal approval from all member states. While the outcome is considered likely, no country has yet officially endorsed or rejected the measures.
Authorities will now have expanded powers to detain and deport individuals classified as security threats. The definition of such risks has been widened, giving governments more discretion in enforcement.
The reforms will move forward with a committee vote on Monday and a final parliamentary decision by late March. If approved, they will mark a significant shift in how the European Union handles illegal migration and deportations. The rules will apply across all member states once formally adopted.
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