On the UN’s Human Rights Day this week, the EU argued that a modernisation of the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was needed to address the migration issue. Concurrently, after a week of intense policy discussions on migration management at the EU ministerial level, a second international conference to counter migrant smuggling was underway at the European Commission’s Berlaymont building in Brussels.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, delivered a key message. Speaking from Strasbourg, they addressed ongoing discussions on migration and several contentious issues, including efforts to combat migrant smuggling and plans to create human-rights-compliant “return hubs”—centres outside Europe where authorities could forcibly house migrants if countries cannot safely accept their return. The talks will also examine the application of Article 8, which protects the right to family life, and Article 3, which prohibits inhumane treatment—both central to many migration cases.
Pressure from nine EU states
The Council of Europe has proposed developing a model agreement, “compliant with international law,” to manage the returns of rejected asylum seekers or those denied the right to reside, as well as to externalize migration management. This could include the use of “hubs” that member states could activate in cooperation with third countries. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset put forward this proposal (as one of four) at the ministerial meeting on immigration currently taking place in Strasbourg.
“As responsible and progressive governments, we will deliver the change that people are clamoring for. We will control our borders to protect our democracies and make our nations stronger than ever in the years to come,” echo Starmer and Frederiksen, dictating the European line on migration management.
Nine states, including Italy, signed an open letter challenging the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for what they describe as excessive interference in migration policies. Building on this, the four proposals included preparing a political declaration for foreign ministers to adopt next year. The declaration would outline states’ views on migration and the European Convention on Human Rights while reaffirming the ECHR’s independence and judicial impartiality.
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It strengthens Europe’s competitiveness, provides opportunities abroad, and offers safe alternatives to deadly smuggling networks. – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the apparently new ‘win-win approach’
According to the document, the text “would clearly indicate how states interpret the convention in migration cases, including in relation to criminal activities.” The proposals also urge the creation of a new legal instrument to strengthen the fight against migrant smuggling, which authorities expect to finalize within 12–18 months. Finally, Secretary General Berset called for launching an international dialogue on other legal instruments related to migration.
EU addresses migrant smuggling amid ongoing debates
Discussions on reinventing human rights continue in Strasbourg. Meanwhile, in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined a major push against migrant smuggling, combining digital enforcement, legal measures, and safe migration pathways. “Most of these risky trips are advertised online; this is why the digital dimension of our work is key,” she said. Europol is now removing smuggling content from social media, uncovering criminal networks, and disrupting operations across Europe.
Europe is also strengthening its on-the-ground response. Authorities are increasing funding for Europol, enhancing the European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling, and planning to triple Frontex’s border force to 30,000 officers. They are developing new sanctions to freeze smugglers’ assets and impose travel bans, while airlines and airports step up efforts to prevent illegal migration.
Ms von der Leyen emphasized the human cost of illegal migration, including labour exploitation, and highlighted safe alternatives through Europe’s Global Gateway program. Talent Partnerships and a new Talent Pool aim to connect non-European job-seekers with European employers, creating legal pathways for work and skills development.
“This approach is a win-win,” she said. “It strengthens Europe’s competitiveness, provides opportunities abroad, and offers safe alternatives to deadly smuggling networks.”
