EU proposes sanctions regime targeting migrant smugglers; von der Leyen: “We decide who comes to us”

Brussels – “We all have a common goal”, which is “to save the lives of thousands of people who dream of a better life,”, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. Together with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Kaja Kallas, the European Commission today (9 July) proposed the introduction of a new, specific sanctions regime targeting migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and other forms of organised crime, including the trafficking of firearms and illicit drugs. “We in Europe must be the ones to decide who comes to us and in what circumstances”, the head of the Commission added. 

The initiative had been expected: von der Leyen had already announced it during her 2025 State of the Union address in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Even then, the European Commission President had outlined the European Union’s approach for the coming months. A hardline approach, which makes concessions to the far right, and which centres on repatriation. This is confirmed by the Repatriation Regulations, which are currently awaiting their final stage in the Council – formal adoption by the Member States – before publication in the Official Journal and entry into force. “It is unacceptable that only 20 per cent of those without permission to stay actually leave Europe,” the head of the European Commission explained on 10 September. She added: “We need a new sanctions regime that targets smugglers and traffickers.” That sanctions regime is now in place. An initiative that will aim to “disrupt the traffickers’ business model, restrict their movements and cut their profits.”

The proposals presented today aim to tackle illicit activities originating in third countries which, due to their widespread, systematic, or organised nature, pose a serious threat to the Union’s values; activities linked to migrant smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities relating to drugs, the illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms, and money laundering; identified individuals and entities involved in such activities, including those who lead, direct, or support them, through the introduction and establishment of a clear framework for restrictive measures, according to the press release released by the European Commission. 

How? By freezing assets and banning the making available of funds or other economic resources to listed persons or entities, through travel bans to prevent designated persons from entering or transiting through EU Member States. “The proposed measures would be applied in a coordinated manner, ensuring that sanctions are swift, proportionate, and subject to periodic review,” the Commission said.

The proposals will now be submitted to the Council and must be adopted unanimously by the Member States.