The EU is tightening its asylum policy.Image: EPA
May 21, 2026, 2:57 p.mMay 21, 2026, 2:57 p.m
The European Union is paving the way for return centers in third countries and further tightening of asylum rules. This was announced by representatives of the European Parliament after negotiations with representatives of the member states.
“All outstanding political questions were discussed in detail and provisionally agreed upon” – with the exception of the question of when the regulations would come into force, the statement said.
According to negotiating circles, countries wanted more time to implement some regulations in order to adapt the national legal situation. They originally demanded that most of the provisions of the new return regulation come into force after two years – with the exception of those relating to return centers. Parliament wants immediate implementation. The next hearing is scheduled for June 1st.
Rejected asylum seekers who cannot be returned to their countries of origin should go to the special return centers (“return hubs”) outside the European Union. According to the new regulations, unaccompanied minors should not be deported. However, the option already exists for families with children and young people.
Germany wants to conclude agreements with third countries
Germany, together with several other EU states, is currently trying to reach agreements with countries that would be willing to set up return centers on their territory. To date, there has been no EU framework for such third-country solutions. Italy had concluded an agreement with Albania to outsource both deportation detention and asylum procedures there. However, the model ended up in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) because of lawsuits.
Wanted to work closely together on asylum policy: The Prime Ministers of Albania, Edi Rama, and Italy, Giorgia Meloni.Image: keystone
According to negotiating circles, the agreement determines how rejected asylum seekers must participate in their own deportation if they do not want to be arrested. They are also threatened across Europe with the reduction or cancellation of maintenance benefits or the confiscation of travel documents.
Detention pending deportation is also possible if the responsible officials believe there is a risk of absconding or there is a risk to national security. The permissible period of detention will be extended under the new rules, according to negotiating circles, to a maximum of 24 months, with a possible extension of six months in certain cases.
WhatsApp group of the EPP and the right caused criticism
The agreement was preceded by a joint decision by the European People’s Party (EPP) led by Manfred Weber and the right wing in the EU Parliament. Research by the German Press Agency revealed that the EPP was cooperating more closely with the right on the issue than was previously known. (nil/sda/dpa)