The European Commission has unveiled a new action plan aimed at ‘setting out a comprehensive European response’ to illegal migration along the English Channel.
As the Commission noted in a statement, the plan responds to ongoing challenges associated with Channel crossings, which continue to place pressure on border authorities while creating opportunities for organised criminal groups involved in migrant smuggling.
‘Stepping up the fight’
“With this action plan, the EU is stepping up the fight against organised crime and migrant smuggling, in cooperation with the United Kingdom,” commented Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. “This is an important component of our comprehensive approach to migration management, to prevent dangerous journeys at sea and reduce illegal arrivals.”
Although illegal border crossings along the route have fallen by 44% so far in 2026, the Commission noted that attempted crossings remain significant, with almost 64,000 recorded during 2025.
Migration management
The action plan forms part of the European Union’s wider migration management strategy and places particular emphasis on cooperation with the United Kingdom. The Commission described the UK as a key partner in addressing the issue, highlighting the need for joint efforts to strengthen border security, tackle criminal networks and reduce incentives for irregular migration.
The strategy is built around three main areas: reinforcing migration diplomacy, disrupting smuggling operations and strengthening border management.
On migration diplomacy, the Commission plans to increase engagement with countries of origin and transit. This includes expanding cooperation with governments and international organisations, coordinating information campaigns aimed at potential migrants and increasing collaboration on returns and readmission arrangements. The objective is to discourage dangerous journeys while sustaining reductions in illegal arrivals.
A second pillar of the plan focuses on criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling and trafficking. Building on existing cooperation through the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling, the Commission intends to expand joint operational work involving Member States, Europol, Frontex and Eurojust. Europol’s Centre Against Migrant Smuggling will support efforts to map smuggling networks operating along the Channel route.
The third pillar of the plan seeks to improve border management and operational cooperation between the UK and the Member States most affected by Channel migration. Measures include strengthening intelligence sharing, expanding the role of the UK-French Joint Intelligence Cell in Calais and increasing support from Frontex through personnel and surveillance equipment deployed along the Channel and North Sea coastlines.
‘Stepping up cooperation’
“Illegal migration creates opportunities for criminal smuggling networks,” added Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration.
“Through this action plan, we are stepping up our cooperation with the UK to fight smugglers, disrupt illegal arrivals, and strengthen support for Member States. This will enhance European security while helping to prevent further loss of life along this route.” Read more here.
