Returns must remain voluntary, and fully respect human rights and human dignity.
Eurodiaconia, together with nine other Christian organisations from across Europe, has signed a joint statement raising serious concerns about the European Commission’s proposal for a new common European system for returns.
In March 2025, the European Commission presented a draft regulation to address the low return rate of people in an irregular situation. If adopted, it would repeal the existing European Return Directive.
As a network of churches and Christian NGOs providing social and health care services, Eurodiaconia is committed to upholding the dignity of every human being. This joint statement reaffirms that the core values of the European Union – respect for human dignity, the rule of law and human rights – must remain at the heart of all EU policies, including migration and asylum.
The joint statement highlights how the current draft reform prioritises forced return over voluntary return and risks leading to widespread detention, including of children and families.
The statement highlights several key concerns with the current draft reform:
- Detention: Ineffective yet extended. The proposal could allow detention for over 24 months, with weakened safeguards, since detention is no longer required to be a last resort. The organisations stress that detention “is never in the best interest of the child” and call for non-coercive alternatives.
- Voluntary return must be prioritised. Voluntary return is described as the most humane, sustainable and cost-effective approach. Eurodiaconia and partners call for this to remain the first option, rather than relegating it to a secondary role.
- A return in dignity: Adequate counselling and reintegration support. While new provisions for counselling and reintegration are welcome, these services must be delivered by independent providers, including NGOs and faith-based organisations.
- A strong independent forced return monitoring. The introduction of a mandatory monitoring mechanism is supported, but it must be independent, sufficiently resourced, and transparent.
- Externalisation: delegating responsibility will lead to more violations of fundamental rights. Proposals for “return hubs” outside the EU and cooperation with regimes with poor human rights records are strongly criticised as they risk violations of fundamental human rights.
- Effective remedies: Appeals against return decisions should always have an automatic suspensive effect. Without this, access to justice and compliance with EU human rights law are undermined.
- Punitive approach: Measures that penalise people for not “cooperating” with return procedures are disproportionate and harmful, and risk leaving people in degrading situations.
The joint statement concludes with a clear call:
“Human dignity and safety as well as evidence-based policy making must be at the heart of the legislative process.”
Eurodiaconia believes that policies built on respect, justice, and compassion lead to stronger, more cohesive societies. We therefore urge EU institutions to ensure that return procedures uphold human rights, protect the vulnerable, and preserve the dignity of every person.
