The Return Directive, a proposal to increase the speed and volume of migrant deportations, has just officially become European Union law.
According to Le Monde, European lawmakers on Wednesday, June 17, approved tougher migration rules that will grant authorities much broader detention powers. It will also allow the creation of deportation centers outside the bloc.
The 418-218 vote in Strasbourg allowed the reform to sail through the EU’s notoriously long legislative process as Brussels and member states respond to political pressure to curb migration.
It was welcomed with cheers from right parliamentarians and chants of “shame on you” from the left of the assembly, underscoring deep divisions over a text severely criticized by human rights groups. The text notably enables nations to open “return hubs” outside the EU’s borders, where migrants without the right to remain could be sent. It was something a group of countries was eager to do.
Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, and others have already been exploring options for setting up hubs.
Nationalist MEPs chant, “Send them back!
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