Developing a new sanctions regime to counter migrant smuggling and human trafficking
Despite nearly 178,000 detections in 2025 – a 26% decrease compared to 2024 – the situation at Europe’s borders remains uncertain. Ongoing conflicts, geopolitical instability and persistent socio-economic pressures in countries of origin continue to sustain demand for smuggling services, often provided by organised crime networks. At the same time, migrant smuggling has become embedded in a broader landscape of EU and UK security concerns. In recent years, migration flows have, in some cases, been deliberately instrumentalised by hostile state actors.
In response, the EU, the UK and international partners are intensifying domestic efforts and strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation to disrupt smuggling networks. Policymakers are also exploring new tools, including dedicated horizontal sanctions regimes targeting individuals and entities involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Notably, the UK introduced the world’s first Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons Sanctions Regime in July 2025. The EU has since signalled its intention to develop a similar framework, with proposals already submitted and negotiations underway.
This Policy Brief examines the UK’s global sanctions regime and outlines recommendations for the design of a future EU framework targeting migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
A dedicated horizontal sanctions regime can enable faster and more targeted action against global smuggling networks operating across several jurisdictions. Its effectiveness, however, depends on its integration into a broader enforcement architecture – combining financial intelligence, criminal investigations and international cooperation. Close coordination with the private sector and civil society, as well as alignment with wider migration policies, will be essential to maximise its impact.
Read the full Policy Brief here.
Svitlana Taran is a Policy Analyst in the Europe in the World Programme at the European Policy Centre.
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