Four days ahead of the European summit, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, sent a letter to the EU heads of state and government, on Sunday 15 March, setting out the priorities for migration.
Firstly, she calls for increased vigilance as tensions have risen sharply in Iran and the rest of the Middle East since the end of February. In her view, the regional situation poses “increasing risks of protracted conflict with direct and indirect repercussions for the Union”.
In the face of massive internal displacements, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, the President urges the EU27 to mobilise all available diplomatic and operational tools to anticipate possible migratory flows, the evolution of which “remains unclear” at this stage (see EUROPE 13822/2).
Strengthening of ‘migration diplomacy’. Ursula von der Leyen stresses the need to work closely with the countries neighbouring the conflict, explicitly citing Türkiye, Lebanon and Pakistan. This approach aims to stabilise populations and prevent irregular departures.
In terms of arrivals, the Commission is “closely” monitoring the situation of its European partners, particularly in the Western Balkans, and stands ready to “provide contingency support to strengthen their capacities and align with EU standards”, the letter states.
The Commission is also engaged in discussions with the southern Mediterranean countries to draw up the first version of the action plan of the ‘Pact for the Mediterranean’, due to be presented in April. This plan will incorporate “approximately twenty initiatives of mutual interest”, which will focus on, migration, security and preparedness among other things.
At the same time, the President wants to promote legal channels for migration. To this end, she suggests replicating the “Legal Gateway Offices” model, already applied in India (see EUROPE 13785/1), with other key partners, in order to attract the new talent needed for the EU’s economic growth.
External border control. Welcoming the progress already made in the fight against illegal immigration, which fell by 26% in 2025 (see EUROPE 13787/10), the President calls for coordinated management with the Council of Europe to continue this effort. She points out that the Commission is already contributing to a debate on the application of the European Convention on Human Rights, seeking a balance between “protecting rights and ensuring security”.
This strategy will be brought to the International Migration Review Forum in May to consider how to reduce illegal immigration while providing “protection close to place of origin” for migrants.
EU Council Conclusions. In its draft conclusions of 13 March, the EU Council takes stock of the implementation of its previous guidance on migration, particularly in light of Ms von der Leyen’s letter. It now calls for “intensified work on all strands”, including the external dimension and “comprehensive partnerships”, all in line with European and international law.
Link to the President’s letter and to the latest draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/l75 ; https://aeur.eu/f/l71 (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)