Joint Leaders Statement on Migration at the European Political Community Summit
Forty-one leaders at the European Political Community Summit in Dublin pledged stronger cross-border cooperation to reduce illegal migration, combat smuggling networks, and protect vulnerable people.
Forty-one heads of state and government from across Europe issued a joint statement on illegal migration during the European Political Community Summit in Dublin on 12 November 2026. The leaders, including Prime Ministers Meloni, Frederiksen, and Burnham, and President von der Leyen, acknowledged the persistent challenge of illegal migration amid global instability and hybrid threats. They highlighted the need for a comprehensive, whole-of-route approach to address the criminal networks facilitating irregular movement and exploitation of migrants.
Leaders emphasised preparedness and response as critical to maintaining border integrity, including the use of early warning systems to predict migration flows and emerging security risks. They also stressed the importance of developing new tools to respond to extraordinary threats, ensuring the resilience and security of European borders against evolving challenges.
The statement underscored the role of European countries in countering disinformation about illegal migration and exposing the dangers of irregular crossings. It called for innovation and collaboration to align new approaches and solutions, while supporting migrants and countries of origin to prevent dangerous onward journeys to Europe.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international conventions, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the May 2026 Chișinău Declaration on the ECHR and migration. They pledged to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit, enhance information sharing, and ensure effective returns and readmission in accordance with international law.