New European repatriation plan: stricter rules and a divided Italy

The European Union has presented a new plan for the repatriation of irregular migrants. The regulation aims to make returns faster and more efficient by introducing common procedures for all EU Member States. The proposal, announced by European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner, provides for the mutual recognition of expulsion orders among the Twenty-seven and the creation of return hubs in third countries, structures dedicated to the management of migrants awaiting repatriation.

The initiative has sparked a heated debate in Italy and Europe, dividing public opinion between those who consider it a step forward towards a more rigorous management of irregular immigration and those who, instead, see it as a further hardening of immigration policies to the detriment of human rights.

The content of the reform: more control and uniform procedures

The main objective of the new regulation is to Filling current gaps in repatriation policies, making the rules stricter and more uniform across the European Union. Key new features include:

• Automatic recognition of expulsion orders: an irregular migrant who receives an expulsion order in any EU country will have to leave the entire territory of the Union, avoiding the phenomenon of “secondary migration” (the transfer to another Member State to submit a new asylum application).
• Schengen database for repatriations: all Member States will have access to expulsion orders issued by other countries, improving coordination and reducing the possibility of circumventing the measures.
• Creating “return hubs”: these transit centres located in third countries will welcome migrants awaiting repatriation, avoiding overcrowding in European facilities.
• Increase in the maximum detention period: For forced returns, the maximum length of detention will increase from 18 to 24 months, to prevent migrants from remaining in the EU awaiting expulsion.
• Increased pressure on countries of origin: Brussels wants to encourage cooperation with non-EU countries to accept the repatriation of their citizens, with possible sanctions for those who refuse to cooperate.

According to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the new regulation represents “a system with simpler and clearer rules" capable of guaranteeing greater security to Europe, but also of respecting fundamental rights.

The numbers and the question: why Brussels wants to act

The data of Eurostat reveal that currently Only 20% of irregular migrants subject to an expulsion order actually leave the EU. The remaining 80% manage to remain in European territory, often taking advantage of the lack of coordination between Member States or the poor cooperation of the countries of origin. in taking back their citizens.

According to the European Commission, this ineffectiveness undermines trust in the asylum system and creates a climate of insecurity among European citizens. The new plan aims to reverse this trend by making expulsions faster and more systematic.

Italy divided on new regulation

THEThe introduction of the regulation has generated mixed reactions in the Italian political landscape.

Criticism from the Left

Cecilia Strada, MEP of the Democratic Party, rejected the reform, calling it “an ineffective and inhumane strategy”. During a speech he declared: “The European approach continues to be unbalanced towards repression rather than intelligent management of migration flows. We need safe and legal access channels, not new barriers. The problem is not arrivals, but the lack of regular routes for those seeking a better future.”

According to Strada, focusing exclusively on detention and expulsion will not solve the problem of irregular immigration, but will rather fuel human trafficking and precarious conditions for migrants.

Favor from the Right

On the other side, the regulation has received full support from the Italian right. Carlo Fidanza, head of the Fratelli d'Italia delegation in the European Parliament, called the plan a “paradigm shift needed”. “Europe can no longer afford uncontrolled immigration. This regulation finally introduces clear criteria and effective tools to manage expulsions. It is proof that immigration must be selected and controlled, as it happens in any civilized country.”

Fidanza also underlined theimportance of cooperation with countries of origin to facilitate repatriations and cited the Mattei Plan of the Meloni government as an example of a pragmatic approach to immigration.

NGOs and Human Rights Concerns

Non-governmental organizations have expressed concern for the creation of the return hubs, fearing that they may become mass detention centers with little legal protection for migrants.

Silvia Carta, manager of PIC extension (Platform for International Cooperation on Irregular Migrants), criticized the measure: “This proposal completely ignores the need to ensure legal avenues for immigration and risks creating open-air prisons in third countries.”

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also called for greater guarantees on respect for fundamental rights, in particular for women, children and asylum seekers.

The new European repatriation plan represents a decisive step towards a more restrictive and coordinated immigration policy, But the political divisions demonstrate how delicate and controversial the issue remains.

THEFinal approval will now depend on the European Parliament and the European Councilo.