Story perspectives

EU Plans Asset Freeze, Travel Bans for Smugglers; Critics Warn

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The EU proposal will freeze assets and ban travel for people linked to migrant smuggling, human trafficking and organised crime.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the sanctions in Brussels, pending unanimous European Council approval.
The move follows a European Parliament migration overhaul that seeks faster deportations and offshore detention centres.
France and Spain say the measures are overly harsh and could erode asylum protections.

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Story summary

The EU proposal will freeze assets and ban travel for people linked to migrant smuggling, human trafficking and organised crime.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the sanctions in Brussels, pending unanimous European Council approval.
The move follows a European Parliament migration overhaul that seeks faster deportations and offshore detention centres.
France and Spain say the measures are overly harsh and could erode asylum protections.