EU summit highlights migration as a key challenge for Europe, vowing to address it effectively

European Union leaders reiterated the importance of combating illegal and irregular migration on Thursday, highlighting migration as a challenge facing all Europeans, European Council President Charles Michel said.

Speaking at a press conference alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Michel emphasized the depth of discussions on migration during a leaders’ meeting in Brussels. He underlined the need for unified action across the bloc to address the issue more seriously.

“One thing is clear, irregular migration needs to be reduced,” Michel said, stressing the EU’s determination to take more operational steps to confront the issue.

Von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, noting the focus was on the “external dimension” of migration, as they continue to see evolving migratory pressures. She pointed out that ongoing efforts to counter illegal migration will include the introduction of new legislative proposals.

“We need to continue the work that we are doing,” von der Leyen said, adding that EU leaders discussed “innovative ways” to address the problem. Among the options considered were reviewing the concept of a safe third country and exploring the development of return hubs outside the EU.