During the European Council on 21-22 March 2024, EU leaders reviewed the state of play on migration following the Communication from the Commission published on 12 March 2024, entitled "Striking a balance on migration: an approach that is both fair and firm". The Communication looked back at the achievements of the last four years, inter alia:

• New EU legal framework on migration and asylum: The New Pact on Migration and Asylum, its implementation and operationnalisation. 
   
• Targeted operational response: including a whole-of-route approach (four EU Action Plans), strengthening border management, targeting criminal networks that smuggle migrants, stepping up returns, and responding to acute needs and crises.
   
• Working with partner countries: through comprehensive partnerships (with Tunisia, Mauritania, and Egypt), promoting legal pathways (with Talent Partnerships), and reinforcing readmission cooperation.

EU leaders reaffirmed their position from December 2023 and the importance of pursuing a strategic approach to migration that combines:

• increased external action
• partnerships with countries of origin and transit
• addressing root causes of migration
• opportunities for legal migration
• effective control of EU external borders
• resolutely fighting organised crime, human trafficking and smuggling
• stepping up returns

For further information, please read the press release of the Council of the EU.