European Evangelical Alliance Calls for a Migration Policy
European Evangelical Alliance Calls for a Migration Policy that Upholds Both Justice and Human Dignity
Brussels, July 2026 — The European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) has released a statement responding to the European Union’s newly adopted Return Regulation, welcoming governments’ responsibility to manage migration while expressing concern that several aspects of the new legislation may weaken protections for vulnerable people.
The new Regulation, approved by the European Parliament on 17 June 2026, forms part of the EU’s broader Pact on Migration and Asylum. It seeks to establish a common European system for returning third-country nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain within the European Union. Among its provisions are expanded mutual recognition of return decisions between Member States, stronger enforcement measures, the possibility of return hubs outside the EU, and longer periods of detention in certain circumstances.
In its statement, the European Evangelical Alliance acknowledges that governments have a legitimate responsibility to maintain secure borders, combat human trafficking, and uphold the rule of law. At the same time, the Alliance urges European leaders to ensure that migration policies never lose sight of the inherent dignity of every human being.
“We recognise the legitimate duty of governments to manage migration responsibly, secure external borders, and combat human trafficking. At the same time, several elements of this Regulation trouble us.”
The EEA expresses particular concern over provisions that could extend detention periods, allow detention to affect families with children, reduce procedural safeguards, and expand the use of return hubs outside the European Union. The Alliance warns that these measures should be carefully evaluated to ensure they remain consistent with Europe’s commitments to human rights and international law.
Drawing upon the biblical teaching that every person is created in the image of God, the EEA reminds Christians that discussions surrounding migration are not merely political questions but also moral ones. Christians are called to seek justice while demonstrating compassion toward the stranger, the refugee, and those who find themselves vulnerable.
The statement encourages churches throughout Europe to remain engaged in caring for migrants and refugees while praying for wisdom for political leaders who must make difficult decisions regarding security, asylum, and migration management. It also calls upon policymakers to pursue solutions that are both effective and humane.
For the Latvian Evangelical Alliance, this serves as an important reminder that Christians can affirm the responsibility of governments to maintain order while also advocating for policies that respect the God-given dignity of every individual. The Alliance encourages believers to continue praying for European leaders, supporting local ministries serving migrants and refugees, and demonstrating Christ’s love to all people regardless of their background.
As the debate surrounding migration continues across Europe, the European Evangelical Alliance calls Christians to be voices of both truth and grace—seeking policies that protect society while never forgetting the biblical command to love our neighbour and care for the vulnerable. We therefore ask the European Commission and Member States to preserve genuine access to legal remedies, give particular care to converts and other vulnerable claimants, ensure transparency and independent monitoring wherever return hubs are established, and continue to consult civil society as the rules are implemented.
For our part, the EEA will stay engaged: with the EUAA, with our network of national Evangelical Alliances, and with the churches who walk alongside asylum seekers day to day. This is work we have sustained for years, and we intend to continue it.
Our hope is simple: that Europe’s response to migration will reflect both justice and mercy – and we believe it can still do both.
For further information, please contact:
Rev. Jan Wessels and Rev. Connie Duarte Co-General Secretaries of the European Evangelical Alliance Email: info@europeanea.org Phone: +31 616754574
Press Contact:
European Evangelical Alliance (EEA)
Matthias Boehning, Operations Manager
matthias.boehning@europeanea.org
+49 173 738 02 11
Reuterstrasse 116, 53129 Bonn, Germany