The bill also includes measures to tighten penalties for foreign nationals whose stay in the EU is deemed illegal, including imprisonment. The initiative has been supported by conservatives and representatives of far-right political forces. A vote on this issue in the European Parliament is expected to take place on March 12.
The European Parliament building in Strasbourg. Photo: Ardan Fuessmann/Eibner-Pressefoto/picture alliance.
According to data from the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), published in early March, the number of asylum applications in EU countries decreased by 19% in 2025 compared to the previous year, totaling 822,000. The European Commission links the decrease in applications to new strict migration measures. However, only about 20% of migrants who receive orders to leave the country actually return to their homeland. In 2024, the UK passed a law allowing for the deportation of illegal migrants to Rwanda, while Italy ratified an agreement with Albania to establish two centers for migrants. These steps have faced criticism from the media and human rights defenders, who pointed out the risk of human rights violations when expelling migrants to third countries.
