EU moves to crush people-smuggling networks

EU Sanctions Regime Targeting Smugglers

The European Union has announced a new sanctions regime aimed at combating people smuggling. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU's intention to dismantle smuggling networks by freezing assets and issuing travel bans. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tighten migration policies.

On Monday, EU member states approved a revised migration plan. The plan includes measures for streamlined deportations and increased detentions. Ministers have also agreed on the possibility of returning migrants to "safe third countries" that are not their country of origin. The concept of "return hubs," or deportation centers outside EU borders for rejected asylum-seekers, is also endorsed.

The new migration plan includes the formation of a "solidarity pool" to share the costs of hosting refugees among EU member nations. Additionally, the Council of Europe has agreed to consider changes to the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights, potentially impacting migrant rights further.

Based on reporting by Africanews.