meta_id 3312013

On July 8, 2026, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy proposed a new European Union sanctions regime targeting migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and other serious forms of organised crime, including trafficking in firearms, illicit drugs, and money laundering. The proposal aims to disrupt the business model of criminal networks by restricting their movements and cutting off their profits. The initiative follows President Ursula von der Leyen's 2025 State of the Union address, where she called for the creation of such a regime. The Commission noted that while illegal arrivals have decreased by more than 50 percent over the last two years, too many people continue to risk their lives at the hands of smugglers. Organised criminals destabilise societies, undermine the rule of law and democracy, and weaken economic stability and security. The proposed sanctions regime targets illicit activities originating outside the European Union which pose a serious threat to the Union's values, security, and international security. It encompasses conduct related to migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings, illicit drug activities, firearms trafficking, and money laundering, as well as identified individuals and entities involved in these activities, including those who lead, direct, or support them. The proposed restrictive measures include asset freezes and prohibitions on making funds or other economic resources available to listed persons or entities, and travel bans preventing entry into or transit through European Union Member States by listed persons. The measures will be applied in a coordinated manner, ensuring sanctions are swift, proportionate, and regularly reviewed. The proposals will now be presented to the Council and require adoption by Member States by unanimity.