The Commission welcomes the Council of Europe’s statement on migration

The European Commission welcomes thepolitical declaration on migrationadopted today by the Council of Europe at the Ministerial Conference in Chisinau. The declaration highlights the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights and the values underpinning the Council of Europe, values which are shared by the EU.

The declaration addresses several key issues in the context of migration management, including irregular arrivals, the instrumentalisation of migration and the return of third-country nationals in an irregular situation, with the aim of promoting a fair balance between the general public interest and the protection of individuals’ fundamental rights. The declaration reiterates that the Convention is a living instrument that must be interpreted in the light of current realities so that it remains applicable in the face of new challenges. This is in line with the Commission’s efforts to develop new approaches to migration management.   

The protection of the security of our societies and borders, as well as fidelity to our values, are fundamental pillars of the EU’s migration policies, reflected in the common framework established by thePact on Migration and Asylum. The Commission welcomes the convergence of approaches adopted to address these common challenges.

The Commission greatly values its long-standing partnership with the Council of Europe and shares its firm commitment to promoting peace, democracy, the rule of law and human rights across the continent. The Commission reaffirms its strategic alignment with the Council of Europe.

Building on today’s statement, the Commission remains ready to work constructively with the Council of Europe and with Member States to address current and future challenges in the field of migration.

Background

The participants at the Council of Europe’s Informal Ministerial Conference on 10 December 2025 invited the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers to draft the declaration. The declaration was adopted today by the Committee of Ministers under the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova. The Commission endorsed the conclusions presented by the Council of Europe on 10 December 2025, based on the four-point plan put forward by its Secretary General.

Furthermore, the Commission fully endorses the need to step up our fight against the smuggling of migrants, as highlighted at the International Conference of the Global Alliance against Migrant Smuggling heldin December 2025.

The Commission will closely monitor the Council of Europe’s work on a recommendation to deter and combat the smuggling of migrants.

More information: European Commission.