Global Stand Against Migrant Crimes

In a significant development on December 10, 2025, the International Conference of the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling convened in Brussels, presenting a unified front against the challenges posed by migrant smuggling. Hosted by the European Commission, the event saw participation from over 80 delegations including EU Member States, EU agencies, international organizations, and third-party countries.

At the conference, over 50 delegations signed a joint declaration committing to bolster cooperation along migrant smuggling routes and address the increasingly digital nature of these criminal activities. The declaration highlighted new measures such as clamping down on online advertisements promoting migrant smuggling and disrupting underground financial networks that support this illicit business.

Europol took a prominent role at the conference, with Executive Director Catherine De Bolle co-chairing the first panel that focused on combating migrant smuggling in the digital realm. De Bolle emphasized the importance of shared intelligence and operational collaboration to dismantle smuggling networks and safeguard vulnerable populations from exploitation. She also announced the upcoming establishment of the European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling (ECAMS) at Europol in early 2026, aimed at boosting the agency’s capabilities in tackling these challenges.

The conference underscored the necessity of international collaboration in combating migrant smuggling. With the digital transformation of the crime, smugglers have adapted by using social media platforms, encrypted communications, and cryptocurrencies, making the detection and disruption of their activities more complex. The Global Alliance’s comprehensive three-pillar strategy focuses on prevention, response, and the development of alternatives to irregular migration, aiming to create safer and legal pathways for mobility while addressing the root causes of migration in countries of origin and transit. This collaborative effort represents a significant step forward in the global fight against migrant smuggling and its associated criminal activities.