During the European Council meeting on 17 October 2024, EU leaders held an in-depth strategic discussion on migration in all its dimensions and across all routes. The European Council called on the Council, the Member States, and the Commission to:

• strengthen work on all strands of action in the comprehensive approach to migration outlined in February 2023 (including increased external action and effective control of EU external borders);
   
• enhance cooperation with countries of origin and transit, through comprehensive mutually beneficial partnerships, to address root causes and to fight trafficking and smuggling with a view to preventing loss of life and irregular departures;
   
• take determined action at all levels to facilitate, increase and speed up returns from the European Union, using all relevant EU policies, instruments, and tools, including diplomacy, development, trade and visas.

The European Council reaffirmed its commitment to countering the instrumentalisation of migrants for political purposes and stressed that new ways to prevent and counter irregular migration should be considered, in line with EU and international law.

For further details, please read the press release and the conclusions from the Council.