BRUSSELS — The European Commission on Thursday unveiled a proposed sanctions framework aimed at dismantling migrant smuggling, human trafficking and related organised-crime networks by imposing asset freezes and travel bans on those responsible.
President Ursula von der Leyen said the measure seeks to “drive them out of business” and protect people who risk their lives seeking a better future, adding that Europe must set its own rules for who may enter and under what conditions. The proposal must receive unanimous backing from the European Council before it can take effect.
The move comes amid heated debate over migration policy in the EU. Last month the European Parliament approved a package to speed up deportations and permit offshore processing centres, a plan criticised by some member states, including France and Spain, for potentially weakening asylum protections.