The President of the European Commission has addressed EU member state leaders in a letter about migration ahead of the Summit on October 23 in Brussels.
This letter details a comprehensive strategy to manage migration, with an emphasis on finalizing the legal framework in the coming months.
The Commission President notes that illegal migrant trafficking is a significant issue, necessitating stronger measures to enhance law enforcement and border management. She advocates for improved police cooperation and the enhancement of Europol, urging the European Parliament and the Council to advance the proposed directive aimed at strengthening the legal framework.
Additionally, she suggests collaboration with digital platforms and technology providers to curb the online organization and promotion of smuggling activities.
In her proposals, the Commission President emphasizes coordinated efforts under the Common Foreign and Security Policy to establish a sanctions system against migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks within the EU, including asset freezing. “We are dedicated to assisting member states in combating state-funded smuggling and addressing hybrid threats by enhancing border control capabilities and aerial surveillance systems,” she states in her letter.
The migration landscape
The letter indicates that Libya is the primary departure point on Central Mediterranean routes, where migration flows remain stable, with a slight increase of about 3%. Ms. von der Leyen highlighted ongoing technical cooperation with relevant authorities in Libya, noting that a recent technical mission sets the stage for further operational collaboration to combat illegal trafficking and facilitate protection and voluntary returns to migrants’ home countries.
The letter reports a rise in transfers from African nations to their origins, with over 22,000 returns facilitated by EU-funded operations. In 2025, the International Organization for Migration aided in the voluntary return of over 7,000 migrants from Tunisia. An EU-Tunisia Association Council is scheduled for October 28 in Brussels, while efforts are ongoing to implement the Strategy and Comprehensive Partnership with Egypt, ahead of the EU-Egypt Summit on October 22. Discussions are also taking place with Morocco to enhance legal migration, combat smuggling, and support returns.
The letter notes that the EU is progressing towards a new partnership with Mauritania, and talks are underway for cooperation agreements between Frontex and Senegal’s border management authorities. Data shows a 90% decline in illegal border crossings along the Western Balkans route over the past year, and a 47% decrease over the last three years. “Engagement with Turkey is being reinforced through the High-Level Dialogue, supporting the full implementation of the EU-Turkey statement and readmission agreement. Approximately 393 million euros have been invested in recent years to bolster Turkey’s border management at its eastern and southeastern borders. Our involvement in combating smuggling is increasing through cooperation with Turkey, Europol, and Frontex,” she stated. Support for Syria also includes an 80 million euro cross-border program to assist Syrian refugees in Lebanon and facilitate safe, voluntary returns, with Frontex’s European Reintegration Program available since June. Coordination efforts for the Afghan situation are also underway.
Future steps
A robust legal framework is needed, consistently applied across the EU. With the Pact on Migration and Asylum set to start in June 2026, the first cycle of migration management will soon commence. “Providing effective support to member states under pressure, along with implementing the solidarity mechanism, must align with measures related to responsibility. This balance is crucial for the Pact’s success. We are committed to finalizing the legislative work on the Pact. The proposal for a common European return system emphasizes effective and streamlined procedures, recognizing return decisions across the EU, implementing stricter rules on evasion and security, and establishing a legal basis for potential return hubs,” emphasized the President of the European Commission.
Ms. von der Leyen urged leaders to act swiftly and decisively to reach an agreement that ensures comprehensive, effective, and dignified returns of individuals without the right to remain in the EU, in accordance with values and international law. She also noted that progress in redefining safe third countries and the Union’s list of safe countries of origin will alleviate pressure on asylum systems and complement the Pact’s functioning.
She underscored the significance of the newly introduced Pact for the Mediterranean, alongside the strategic partnerships being formed with Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan focused on border management. A budget of 675 million euros for 2025-2027 will soon be approved to prevent illegal migration, combat smuggling, and provide services for vulnerable migrants in North Africa and to ensure effective migration management in Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and
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