"The figures speak for themselves," von der Leyen said. "Since the start of this year, numbers have fallen by 26 percent on key routes. This is on top of the 37 percent drop on the same routes in 2024." Von der Leyen was speaking at the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling, launched in November 2023.

"We are fighting smugglers and traffickers with all means," she added. "Last year alone, we seized more than EUR 12 million in illegal assets in Europe -- from boats to firearms. But unravelling their networks remains extremely challenging."

She went on to highlight the various measures adopted by the bloc concerning migration, from the approval of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum to the adoption of a common position on returns and safe countries.

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'Blueprint to end migrant smuggling business'

"It is not enough to target one link in the smuggling chain," Von der Leyen stressed in her speech. "We must go after the entire network. This is why, at this Conference, we take our Global Alliance to the next level. Today we are endorsing a joint Declaration, a blueprint to bring an end to the migrant smuggling business model across the world."

"It is built on three principles: First, we must prevent the journeys offered by the migrant smugglers," she added.

"Second, we must respond to the smugglers' evolving business model. And finally, we must show potential victims that there are always safer alternatives."

The European Commission president warned that "smugglers are also changing their transport models; we are seeing a change in tactics there as well. Traditionally, they have used private boats and trucks but now commercial transport is increasingly being used. So we must engage closely with transport companies on key routes."

"Recently, we achieved a significant breakthrough under European leadership. Thanks to our initiative, the international airline regulator -- ICAO -- will now step up its efforts to prevent migrant smuggling and illegal migration. That is a big step forward," she noted.

"Air transport operators and airports will work much more closely with law enforcement to deter illegal flows and help people in need."

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'We must open more safe pathways' to Europe

Von der Leyen went on to address the issue of legal migration and the need to make it more accessible.

"This is the so important third pillar of our Alliance," she stressed, "we must open more safe pathways, legal pathways, to Europe. We must create more bridges between our continents. We must make sure that people can find a job where their talent is needed, match the skills and bring skills across our borders. This is at the heart of our new Talent Partnerships, which offer work routes into Europe. So far, five countries have signed up to them, and we hope that more of you will follow."

"When people cross borders illegally, they do not just risk their life, too often, they fall prey to labor exploitation afterwards. With no rights and no protections. This is a form of modern slavery, and we must do more to fight it here in Europe," she noted.

"We have just agreed to create a new Talent Pool," she added.

"It will match European employers and their needs with non-European jobseekers and their skills. And we are launching the pilot of a Gateway Office in India. This will offer opportunities to work in Europe legally and it could serve as a blueprint for partnerships with other countries if we do it well. The point is here - we have plenty of ideas for legal mobility, but only together can we make this work."

"This approach is," she said, "a win-win for Europe and all our partners in this Alliance. People can develop new skills and find new opportunities at home. But it also gives young people a chance to thrive, and it makes Europe more competitive and attractive to innovative talent. By working in partnerships, we have found safe alternatives to the lethal criminal smuggling networks."

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