Overview
- The European Commission set out measures to increase removals of rejected asylum seekers, with a legal text on external return hubs under European Parliament review.
- The plan overhauls visa policy to pressure countries that refuse readmission through restrictions while streamlining pathways to attract skilled workers.
- Brussels outlines assertive migration diplomacy, disclosing deals or talks with Tunisia, Mauritania, Egypt and Morocco tied to aid and investment.
- Rights groups led by Amnesty International warn the approach heightens reliance on third countries and risks EU complicity in abuses.
- Officials note irregular entries fell by more than a quarter in 2025, as the strategy also promotes digitalisation and AI to speed decisions and enhance security.