Commission and High Representative propose new sanctions regime to counter threats from migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and other forms of organised crime

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, proposed a new EU sanctions regime to tackle migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings, and other serious forms of organised crime, including trafficking in firearms and illicit drugs as well as money laundering.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today, we are presenting a new sanctions regime against migrant smugglers and traffickers. We all have a common goal. To drive them out of business. And to save the lives of thousands of people who dream of a better life. We in Europe must be the ones to decide who comes to us and in what circumstances.”

Organised criminals destabilise societies, undermine the rule of law and democracy, and weaken economic stability and security. Migrant smugglers’ and traffickers’ illicit activities originating from outside the EU pose a serious threat to the Union’s security and values. While illegal arrivals are down by over 50% over the last two years, too many people still risk and lose their lives at the hands of smugglers.

The initiative was announced by President von der Leyen during the 2025 State of the Union, and aims to disrupt the business model of smugglers, restrict their movements, and cut off their profits.

Today’s proposals target: 

• illicit activities originating outside the Union which, by reason of their widespread, systematic or organised nature, pose a serious threat to the Union’s values, to the security of the Union and its Member States, or to international security;

• conduct related to migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings, trafficking and other activities linked to illicit drugs, illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms and money laundering;

• identified individuals and entities involved in these activities, including those who lead, direct or support them by introducing and establishing a clear framework for restrictive measures.

The proposed restrictive measures are:

• asset freezes and prohibitions on making funds or other economic resources available to listed persons or entities;

• travel bans to prevent entry into, or transit through, EU Member States by listed persons.

The proposed tools would be applied in a coordinated manner, ensuring that sanctions are swift, proportionate, and regularly reviewed. The proposals will now be presented in the Council and need to be adopted by Member States by unanimity.

Background

The initiative follows President von der Leyen’s 2025 State of the Union address, where she called for the creation of a new EU sanctions regime targeting migrant smugglers and human traffickers that would include freezing their assets, restricting their move, and cut off their profits. 

For more information

Questions and answers

EU sanctions 

Migrant smuggling – European Commission 

Together Against Trafficking in Human Beings – Migration and Home Affairs 

Organised crime – Migration and Home Affairs – European Commission