BRUSSELS

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that Europe retains full control of its borders and decides who enters the continent, not “smugglers and traffickers.”

"Two years ago, we pledged to build a Global Alliance to counter migrant smuggling. And our guiding principle here in the European Union is that, we Europeans, decide who comes to Europe and crosses our borders, and under what circumstances, and not the smugglers and traffickers," von der Leyen said at the International Conference on the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling in Brussels.

She highlighted that the EU has overhauled its migration policy in the last two years, adopting the first-ever solidarity measures and a common position on returns and safe countries, calling those steps "crucial milestones."

Von der Leyen pointed to the effect of EU policies on migration flows, noting a 26% decrease on key routes since the start of 2025, following a 37% drop in 2024.

She added that EU authorities seized more than €12 million of illegal assets last year, including boats and firearms.

The Commission chief outlined a three-pillar approach to dismantling migrant smuggling networks: preventing illegal journeys, responding to evolving smuggling methods and providing potential migrants with safer alternatives.

She stressed that prevention includes creating local jobs and investments in countries of origin to reduce the push factors driving irregular migration.

Von der Leyen also underlined the importance of a digital approach, saying, "Most of these risky trips are advertised online, this is why the digital dimension of our work is key."

"For years, we have worked with digital platforms to target online drug trafficking, terrorist propaganda and child abuse. Since last May, we are doing the same on migrant smuggling. Because what is illegal offline must also be illegal online," she added.

The EU plans to strengthen law enforcement through increased Europol funding, expanding Frontex to 30,000 officers and introducing a new sanctions regime to freeze smugglers' assets and restrict their movements.

Europe is also working with transport companies and airlines to prevent the misuse of commercial transport for smuggling.

She warned that illegal migration exposes people not only to life-threatening risks but also to labor exploitation. "This is a form of modern slavery, and we must do more to fight it here in Europe."