"When only 36 percent of irregular migrants are returned, it is clear we need to significantly step up our work," – Jean-Claude Juncker told MEPs in Strasbourg. The president of the European Commission said before the end of September a set of new proposals will be presented with an emphasis on "returns, solidarity with Africa and opening legal pathways.” The European Union has a return directive and additional measures were proposed this year, leading to controversial recommendations that allowed police to lock up children "as a last resort".