EU leaders have called on the European Commission to expedite new laws aimed at accelerating the return of migrants. At the EU Leaders’ Summit in Brussels, heads of the 27 member states stressed the urgent need to boost returns, using all available EU policies, including diplomacy, trade, and visas.

The final declaration emphasized the need for action to prevent the misuse of migration for political purposes by countries like Russia and Belarus. It also expressed solidarity with Poland and other states facing migration challenges, calling for stronger border control measures and new strategies to combat irregular migration.

European Council President Charles Michel reiterated the importance of a Europe-wide response, highlighting the need for partnerships with source and transit countries, better border management, and organized crime prevention. He also stressed that legal migration pathways must be developed alongside effective return policies to address the ongoing crisis.