JRS Europe raises concerns over European Parliament vote on new EU Returns legislation

Jesuit Refugee Service Europe expresses deep concern following the European Parliament vote of 9 March on the proposed EU Returns legislation. The compromise text, which will now enter trilogue negotiations with the Council and the European Commission, includes provisions that risk expanding detention, weakening safeguards and undermining fundamental rights.

Based on years of accompanying people in detention and migration procedures across Europe, JRS Europe warns that the current proposal prioritises coercive measures over protection and may lead to increased suffering and violations of human dignity. We call on European leaders to ensure that any future EU return framework respects human rights, upholds the principle of non-refoulement and prioritises alternatives to detention and inclusive solutions.