EU's Brunner Urges Collective Action on Migration, Smuggling

European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, delivered opening remarks at the 2nd Ministerial Conference of the Khartoum Process in Cairo, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in managing migration and addressing global challenges.

In his speech, Brunner praised Egypt’s leadership in chairing the Khartoum Process, particularly for advancing key initiatives related to climate-induced displacement, skills mobility, and anti-smuggling efforts. He noted that the recently adopted Cairo Declaration and Cairo Action Plan are a testament to the effectiveness of Egypt’s presidency.

As the chairmanship transitions from Egypt to France, Brunner extended his full support to incoming chair Minister Buffet, expressing confidence in France’s ambitious vision for the process. "We are going from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the glass pyramid of the Louvre," he remarked, highlighting the symbolic transition of leadership.

Brunner underscored the significance of this ministerial gathering, the first since the launch of the Khartoum Process in 2014, as an opportunity to strengthen EU-Africa relations amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

He stressed that in a world facing rising geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and climate change, regional and international partnerships like the Khartoum Process are more critical than ever.

Crucially, Brunner framed migration not as a threat, but as a vital opportunity for growth and development. "If we get it right," he stated, "migration can fill skills gaps, boost economies, and build lasting bonds between nations." 

He also emphasized the need to fight migrant smuggling relentlessly, calling it a "constant source of suffering" and a key driver of irregular migration.

Looking ahead, Brunner announced plans for a second international conference of the Global Alliance against Migrant Smuggling later this year, which he hopes will further catalyze global cooperation.

On the EU front, Brunner highlighted the implementation of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, expected to be fully operational by mid-2026. He affirmed the EU’s commitment to robust international migration partnerships, grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and benefit.

Concluding his address, Brunner reaffirmed the enduring ties between Africa and Europe, calling on both sides to remain steadfast partners in navigating shared challenges. "Africa and Europe have always been neighbors and always will be," he said. "It is up to us to stay good partners — and to do it together."