European Migration Network Conference Held During Poland’s EU Council Presidency

Warsaw hosted a conference today focused on combating irregular migration and addressing its root causes, organized by the Office for Foreigners in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration. The event brought together deputy ministers from EU member states, senior officials from the European Commission and EU agencies, delegates from third countries, and representatives of international organizations.

European Migration Network Conference

The conference, held under Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, was opened by Tomasz Cytrynowicz, Head of the Office for Foreigners. Maciej Duszczyk, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, delivered remarks and led the first panel discussion on strengthening the management of the EU’s external borders to prevent illegal migration. The second session addressed strategies to prevent and combat migrant smuggling, while the final panel explored the root causes of irregular migration to the EU and the promotion of legal migration pathways.

Key Themes and Challenges

Migration remains a complex and significant issue for the European Union. Irregular migration, evolving migration routes, and changing patterns pose ongoing challenges to effective migration management. Addressing the root causes of irregular migration is a shared priority across EU member states.

Governments have responded by enhancing border management, intensifying efforts to counter illegal migration, and adopting comprehensive strategies to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking. At the same time, new opportunities have emerged, particularly through legal migration pathways. The EU is investing in initiatives to attract and retain talent from third countries, which not only supports economic growth but also addresses demographic challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, the EU aims to strengthen and promote these pathways as a key component of sustainable migration policy.

Progress and Ongoing Risks

According to Frontex data, the number of irregular border crossings in 2024 decreased by 37% compared to 2023, reaching the lowest level since 2021. This reduction reflects close coordination between EU institutions, agencies, member states, and third-country partners. However, geopolitical instability in the EU’s neighborhood and beyond continues to pose risks of renewed migratory pressure.

Since 2022, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has intensified hybrid attacks on the EU and its member states. The eastern land route has experienced significant migratory pressure since 2021. While the number of irregular crossing attempts at the EU-Belarus border has decreased compared to the peak in 2021 and 2022—due to enhanced border surveillance and security measures—these challenges remain.

Call for Enhanced Cooperation

The evolving migration landscape underscores the need for stronger collaboration between the EU and partner countries to curb irregular migration and expand safe, legal migration routes. Within the EU, cooperation is critical to strengthen external border management and disrupt smuggling and trafficking networks along major migration routes. Addressing the root causes of irregular migration—such as violence, insecurity, and lack of economic opportunities—requires promoting democratic governance, human rights, and economic development in migrants’ countries of origin.