Brussels: The European Commission and the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas have proposed a new sanctions regime aimed at combating migrant smugglers, human traffickers, and other forms of organized crime operating beyond the borders of the European Union.

According to Anadolu Agency, the proposal seeks to enable the EU to impose asset freezes and travel bans on those involved in various criminal activities, including migrant smuggling, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, and money laundering. This initiative is part of a broader effort to disrupt the financial models of criminal networks that profit from irregular migration.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the goal is to dismantle the business operations of these criminal networks, thereby saving lives and ensuring that the EU remains in control of its immigration policies. "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," she affirmed.

The EU Commission highlighted that the proposed sanctions are specifically aimed at organized criminal activities originating from outside the EU that threaten the security, values, and international standing of the bloc and its member states. The framework would target those who lead, direct, finance, or support these illicit activities.

The proposal will next be reviewed by the European Council, where it requires unanimous approval from member states to be enacted.