European Parliament passes controversial return regulation with overwhelming majority (euobserver.com)

• EU Parliament votes 17 June to approve return regulation
• Far-right MEPs chant 'send them back'
• Law permits detention up to 24 months and external return hubs

"The European Parliament voted by a large majority on 17 June 2026 to pass a controversial return regulation. Far-right MEPs chanted "send them back" during the vote. The legislation enables deportation of rejected asylum seekers, detention for up to 24 months, and the establishment of return hubs outside EU territory. The centrist coalition split, while a bloc comprising EPP, Patriots for Europe, Renew Europe, and S&D backed the bill."