EU Action Plan for Eastern Mediterranean migration

The European Commission presents an EU Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean migration route.

This Action Plan on the Eastern Mediterranean migration route is the latest part of the commitment to meet the challenges of irregular migration in an operational way. This plan outlines measures to prevent irregular departures, combat smuggling and provide legal pathways. Moreover, the actions under the plan will improve border management, support return and readmission cooperation, and support reception capacity. This is a part of the Team Europe strategy which works with partners along whole routes, in order to improve migration management and save lives.

At the extraordinary meeting of the European Council of 9 February 2023, Heads of State and Government called on the Commission to present an Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean route, with a view to alleviating the pressure on the most affected Member States and effectively preventing irregular arrivals. This Action Plan identifies operational measures to address ongoing challenges, complementing the EU Action Plans for the Western Balkans, Central Mediterranean, Western Mediterranean and Atlantic routes.

The EU has been strengthening its partnership with key countries of origin and transit along the route, including through dialogue with Türkiye and countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. This Action Plan builds on existing measures such as the Toolbox for transport operators, which addresses the use of commercial means of transport to facilitate irregular migration to the EU, and counter-smuggling projects, like for example SCOPE II and EASTEAMS It also strengthens cooperation between the Commission, EU Agencies (Frontex, EUAA, Europol) and Member Stats authorities on migration and border management.

When it comes to the long-term sustainable solution to manage migration, the Commission continues working to deliver on the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

For More Information

Action Plan on the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic routes

Action Plan on the Western Balkans

Action Plan for Central Mediterranean

New Pact on Migration and Asylum