Rovinj: The European Commissioner joined ministers from the Med9 countries for a ministerial meeting focused on migration, border management, returns, and the fight against drug trafficking, as the European Union continues implementing a series of major reforms in these areas in 2026. The discussions come at a time of growing trust and cooperation among EU Member States on migration management and external border control.
According to Cyprus News Agency, illegal border crossings into the European Union have decreased by 55% over the last two years, with new FRONTEX data showing a further decline during the first four months of 2026 of 40%. The reduction reflects increased stability in key neighboring regions and the EU's comprehensive approach to migration management in partnership with third countries. In the Western Balkans, illegal border crossings have fallen by more than 90% in the last three years.
At the same time, the EU continues rolling out the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is the world's most advanced border management system. Implemented across all EU Member States, the system is already helping authorities detect individuals attempting to enter the EU using false documents. During its first six months of operation, the system recorded more than 66 million registrations, issued over 32,000 refusals of entry, and identified 800 individuals considered security threats.
Member States have also made substantial progress in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum. Key pillars of the Pact are now becoming operational, with most Member States on track to align their national legislation with the new framework. The Pact consists of ten legislative acts, several of which require significant updates to national legal systems. Mandatory screening and border procedures are currently being established to ensure faster and more effective processing at the EU's external borders. In December, the EU also launched its first annual solidarity pool, while Member States offering solidarity contributions have advanced in implementing their pledges.
The Commissioner stressed that the current EU return rate of 28% remains too low and underlined the need for stronger and more effective return procedures. That is why Commissioner Brunner urges the European Parliament and the Council to conclude negotiations on a new EU return regulation that introduces stricter rules for individuals convicted of crimes, clearer obligations for people subject to return decisions, and stronger cooperation mechanisms between Member States.
The EU will also intensify efforts to ensure third countries readmit their own nationals by linking cooperation on migration more closely with visa policy, trade relations, and development assistance.
The Med9 meeting also addressed the EU's intensified response to drug trafficking following the presentation of the EU Drugs Strategy and accompanying Action Plan in December. The EU is strengthening efforts across prevention, treatment, and security measures simultaneously. Authorities will focus on detecting and intercepting chemical precursors used in synthetic drug production and dismantling illicit laboratories.
To disrupt trafficking routes, the EU will further deepen the European Ports Alliance and port security partnerships with Latin American countries. Additional investments are to be made in advanced detection technologies targeting drugs shipped through postal services and online channels. EU agencies will play an increasingly important role. The EU Drugs Agency launched a new EU Drug Alert System to identify emerging threats and trafficking trends at an early stage. The first alert was already issued on North American cannabis, highlighting risks from pesticides. Europol's expanded mandate will improve operational coordination with international partners, while Frontex will receive advanced resources including aerial surveillance assets and high-resolution satellite imagery.