EU: Detention at the borders to increase "voluntary" return of migrants 05 May 2021 A new strategy on "voluntary" return and reintegration unveiled by the European Commission at the end of last month notes that the use of detention "can increase the uptake of voluntary returns at early stages of the return process." The proposed introduction of "return border procedures" - whereby people arriving at the EU's borders could be subject to mandatory detention for up to 10 months, likely rendering it extremely difficult to access legal assistance and other services - is seen as key to increasing voluntary returns. The strategy document underscores that in the "return border procedure", which is part of a new Asylum Procedure Regulation proposed last September (pdf) people will be "available and more willing to cooperate with the authorities."