European Commission Proposes New Measures To Target Migrant Traffickers

MOSCOW, July 9 (NNN-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The European Commission and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Thursday proposed creating a new EU sanctions regime targeting migrant traffickers and transnational criminal networks.

"Today, we are presenting a new sanctions regime against migrant smugglers and traffickers. We all have a common goal. To drive them out of business. And to save the lives of thousands of people who dream of a better life.

“We in Europe must be the ones to decide who comes to us and in what circumstances," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

Sanctions could be imposed on individuals and entities involved in migrant smuggling, human trafficking, drug and arms trafficking, and money laundering.

The measures would include asset freezes, bans on providing funds or economic resources, and EU travel bans. The proposal requires unanimous approval from all EU member states to take effect.

The European Union currently maintains more than 40 sanctions regimes covering both individual countries and thematic issues, including cyberattacks, human rights abuses, terrorism, and the use of chemical weapons.

--NNN-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI