Understanding irregular migration and return in the EU

Improving the management of irregular migration and the return of third-country nationals (TCNs) staying irregularly in the EU is a key political priority for the European Commission for the 2024–2029 period. In March 2025, the Commission put forward a proposal for a Regulation to create a Common European System for Returns, closely linked to the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Current differences in national practices and data gaps make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of return policies across the EU. Addressing these challenges requires better evidence and a clearer understanding of how the system works at Member States’ level.

This JRC report contributes to this effort by proposing a policy-oriented map or irregularity pathways, to explore:

• Which situations can lead to a return decision;
• How return decisions are issued and under which conditions they may be enforced or suspended;
• How TCN exit irregularity, either by returning to their countries of origin or by obtaining authorisations to stay.

To support the analysis, the report examines practices and data available at the EU and in five Member States: Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. While EU-level data currently provide a partial picture, the analysis shows that more detailed information is available at the national level.

Overall, the report emphasises the need for harmonised data collection and shared definitions across Member States.  Its findings provide a stronger evidence-base to support policymakers seeking to improve the effectiveness of return policies and the management of irregular migration in the EU.   

Link to the report here