SouthernWorldwide.com – The European Parliament was filled with chants of “send them back” after lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a significant reform of the European Union’s migrant return system. This development signals a clear shift towards stricter immigration enforcement in Europe, driven by years of increasing public discontent and frustration.
Members of the European Parliament cast their votes on Wednesday, with 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. The approved measure, known as the Return Regulation, is designed to expedite the process of removing individuals from third countries who are residing illegally within the European Union.
The atmosphere in the chamber quickly became charged. Following the announcement of the vote’s outcome, lawmakers from right-wing factions rose to their feet, applauding and chanting “send them back,” as captured in a video from the session. In response, parliamentarians on the left side of the aisle chanted “shame on you.”
This legislation still requires formal endorsement from the Council of the European Union and official publication in the Official Journal before it can take effect. However, the intense exchange highlighted the deep divisions that persist within Europe regarding migration, even as the bloc’s governing bodies advance policies that were once considered politically sensitive or off-limits.
The new regulations will empower member states to detain certain migrants for up to 24 months, with the possibility of a six-month extension. Furthermore, it establishes a framework for establishing “return hubs” located outside the European Union in third countries that are willing to host migrants who have received return decisions.
Proponents of these new rules argue that they are essential, given the difficulties European Union countries have faced in effectively carrying out deportation orders. The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), referencing data from the European Commission, noted that only approximately 20% of migrants who are issued a return decision are actually repatriated.
Conservative leaders have celebrated the European Parliament’s vote as a significant victory. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the outcome as a “great success” and the legislation as a “historic measure,” according to her statement on X.
Other prominent right-wing figures in France and Austria also praised the moment, viewing it as evidence that pressure from the political right is actively reshaping European Union policy.
Conversely, critics have accused the lawmakers involved of dehumanizing migrants and undermining fundamental protections for individuals.
The Guardian reported that Javi López, the socialist vice president of the European Parliament, characterized the plenary session as “disgraceful.” Ilaria Salis, a Member of the European Parliament representing the Italian Green and Left Alliance, described the celebratory mood as “horrifying.”
Human rights organizations have also voiced their concerns. United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk cautioned that the new rules carry the risk of increasing detentions, establishing offshore return hubs, and weakening safeguards against forced returns, as reported by Reuters.
