The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) and Greek Forum of Refugees are co-organising an online briefing on the new EU Return Regulation Proposal, a legislative file that will have a direct impact on the lives and rights of people on the move across Europe.
As a refugee-led association founded by refugees, with refugees, for refugees, GFR joins this discussion to ensure that those most affected are not only talked about but are actively involved in shaping advocacy and responses.
Why this briefing?
On 11 March 2025, the European Commission published a proposal for a Return Regulation to replace the current Return Directive. The proposal aims to increase returns and places a stronger emphasis on forced removals over “voluntary departure”, including:
- the creation of “return hubs” outside the EU,
- longer permissible periods of detention,
- broader grounds for detention, and
- new, far-reaching obligations on third-country nationals to “co-operate” during return procedures, with serious consequences in case of non-compliance
These measures raise serious concerns for fundamental rights, dignity and access to justice for rejected asylum seekers and many other third-country nationals. At the same time, EU Member States and the European Parliament are now negotiating their positions, a crucial moment for refugee-led and migrant-led organisations to make their voices heard.
This online briefing will:
- present ECRE’s analysis of the proposal and its human-rights implications,
- highlight key areas of concern for people on the move,
- share concrete recommendations for advocacy, and
- identify practical entry points where communities, refugee-led groups and allies can influence the process
Who is this for?
The session is especially aimed at:
- Refugee-led and migrant-led organisations,
- community leaders and advocates,
- civil society organisations working on migration and asylum,
- allies and supporters interested in rights-based EU return policies
Practical information
- Date: Monday, 24 November
- Time: 13:00 – 14:15 EET
- Location: Online (Zoom)
How to join
- Read the full agenda – including context and speakers
- Register your participation
Click HERE to read the agenda and HERE to register your participation.
