Magnus Brunner

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Summertime is travelling time - and in autumn we will progressively role out the new Entry-Exit system.

It is a key part of improving how we manage our external borders and will help us track who is entering and leaving the EU.

It will also lead to changes at the borders. Find out more here ⬇️

Recognising law enforcement's role in dismantling these networks and putting victims first is crucial. Human trafficking is organised crime, and with collective effort, we can address this issue.

#EndHumanTrafficking

On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I am proudly supporting the Blue Heart Campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Today we are at the informal JHA in Copenhagen.

Rewatch my doorstep here:

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The threats are evolving—so must our response.

©️ Sergei Gapon / European Commission

Under ProtectEU, we are stepping up our efforts against drug trafficking with a new EU Drugs Strategy and an Action Plan against drug trafficking. We also proposed 6.8 billion euros in the MFF for internal security.

Through the Alliance, we are strengthening detection, deepening cooperation, and supporting port authorities and operators via a public-private partnership.

Criminal networks exploit ports using violence, corruption and intimidation. In 2022 alone, EU Customs seized 500 tonnes of drugs. Since 2019, more than 1,800 tonnes have been seized at EU ports.

At today’s second Ministerial Meeting of the EU Ports Alliance, which I co-hosted with the Danish Presidency of the Council, we reaffirm our commitment to securing EU ports against drug trafficking and organised crime.

Through Global Gateway, Europe and Senegal can build a safer, more prosperous future — for both our people.

We discussed deepening our cooperation on a shared agenda:

✅ Creating decent jobs & prospects for youth
✅ Tackling human trafficking & irregular migration
✅ Strengthening a partnership based on mutual benefit

Today, together with my colleague Jozef Sikela, we spoke with representatives of the Government of Senegal.

Vielen Dank für euren Besuch im Berlaymont, liebe EU-Gemeinderäte.

Es freut mich sehr zu sehen, wie engagiert ihr euch für europäische Themen auf lokaler Ebene einsetzt.

Gerade dieses Engagement vor Ort ist entscheidend dafür, dass die EU greifbar und bürgernah bleibt. Europa braucht euch!

This mission laid the groundwork for broader cooperation.

The meetings planned in Benghazi could not take place in the end.

In Tripoli, we held in-depth discussions with Prime Minister Dbeibeh, Foreign Minister Al-Baour, Interior Minister Trabelsi, and Labour Minister Al-Abed. We discussed shared challenges in the area of migration and reaffirmed a joint commitment to combat migrant smuggling.

We just concluded our mission to Libya together with the Ministers responsible for migration from Greece, Italy and Malta.

After today’s kick-off in Aarhus, I am very much looking forward to the Danish Council Presidency.

We have a lot planned together, especially in the areas of security and migration policy.

Thank you to our Greek partners for their dedication and our constructive dialogue as we work together to improve migration management and enhance security in Europe.

We discussed the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and Greece’s return policy. I was also briefed on emerging challenges due to increased irregular departures from East Libya towards Crete, and Greece’s key role in protecting Europe’s external borders.

In Athens today, I had valuable exchanges with Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. Also met for the first time the new Minister for Migration and Asylum Athanasios Plevris.

I look forward to discussing our approach to migration at the 29th Annual Economist Government Roundtable.
 
How we manage migration today will shape Europe's future — economically, socially, and demographically.
 
🔴 Watch live:
youtube.com/watch?v=_s0-CP…

Finally, I had the privilege to cross the border alongside Bulgarian and Greek partners. This moment reflects Schengen — open borders, shared freedom and responsibility. It’s a practical boost for travel, trade, and everyday life. With Bulgaria fully on board, Schengen’s promise grows even stronger.

We recognized Bulgaria’s strong achievements in border management and their ongoing commitment to fully implement the Migration Pact. We agreed that there is more work ahead of us. The EU stands ready to support Bulgaria’s efforts in all fronts.

During my visit to Bulgaria, I met with Prime Minister Jeliazkov and Minister of the Interior Mitov to celebrate Bulgaria’s full accession to Schengen.

I look forward to continuing this impactful work with the Danish Presidency.

Bardzo dziękuję, Tomaszu

✅ Adoption of the EMPACT priorities for 2026–2029 in the fight against serious and organised crime
✅ Extension of temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

Important progress was achieved:

✅ Agreement on the phased introduction of the new digital Entry/Exit System
✅ Agreement on suspending visa-free travel for third countries in cases of misuse

I visited Poland six times during this Presidency — including the Polish–Belarusian border — and witnessed first-hand Poland’s key role in protecting the EU’s external borders.

As the Polish Presidency under the motto “Security, Europe!” comes to a close, I want to thank our Polish partners for their leadership and their unwavering commitment to Europe's internal security and migration policy.