EU boss demands crackdown on people smugglers

The President of the European Commission has called for an intensification of the “fight against” criminal networks running illegal smuggling of people into the EU.

During an address to the European Parliament this afternoon, Ursula von der Leyen said asylum and reception systems across EU Member States are under “considerable strain”. She told MEPs the majority of those who apply for asylum are not in need of protection but the return rates are at a low of twenty two percent (22%).

The Commission will propose both legal and operational actions to tackle illegal migration at next week’s European council meeting. President von der Leyen said the EU will launch new anti-smuggling partnerships with key third countries

Out words: those smugglers

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