The data discussed by the European Commission is chilling. drowned or lost in the Mediterranean since 2014 more than 28,000 people. Just this year they put that number at: 2,600 people and 300,000 irregular arrivals, 90% of which are through human trafficking networks. “He doesn’t care about human traffickers at all,” the justice commissioner condemned on Tuesday. Ylva Johannsonwhile introducing a new initiative advocating toughening penalties against traffickers, with harsher penalties that reflect the seriousness of the crime and apply at least minimally. up to 15 years imprisonment For cases involving the death of one or more people.
“Everyone knows how dangerous smugglers are for immigrants and the European Union. “We have many stories of people losing their lives but also being raped, harassed and subjected to violence,” Johannson warned, recalling recent examples such as the deaths of 18 Afghans in a truck in Bulgaria this year or the drowning of 600 people. After the boat they were trying to reach the EU sank in the Ionian Sea. To reverse the situation and reduce the number of irregular entries into the EU, the European Commission is proposing to update a law. Legislative framework This agreement, which has a history of more than twenty years, aims to establish minimum standards for the prevention and elimination of facilitation of unauthorized entry, transit and stay in the EU.
The new regulations primarily aim to enforce the legislation more effectively. organized crime networks Benefits range from €4,700 to €6,000 million per year worldwide. To do this, he proposes a clearer definition. smuggling crime Focusing on activities that are for financial or material benefit or that are likely to cause serious harm to a person. Brussels also proposes classifying i as a crimeCall from the public to come to the EU This unauthorized regulation will also cover migrant smuggling advertised through digital tools and social networks.
Harmonization of sentences
Secondly, the Commission recommends: Harmonizing EU penalties varies depending on the seriousness of the crime. For cases of aggravated crime causing the death of one or more people, the proposal includes a maximum prison sentence of at least 15 years, almost double the 8 years currently provided for in European legislation. The revision of the regulations also jurisdiction of member states It will apply in cases where ships sink and people die in international waters, and proposes that jurisdiction be extended to crimes committed on ships or aircraft registered in Member States, as well as crimes committed by legal entities doing business in the EU.
The aim of this measure is to “specifically attack” criminal networks and unpaid activities from NGOs, such as humanitarian aid, compliance with the legal obligation to search and rescue, and helping family members and migrants escape trouble. Finally, Brussels calls for strengthening resources and capacities and improving the collection of statistical data.
Europol reinforcement
The legislative package, which must now be negotiated by the Council and the European Parliament, also includes a regulation from the European Central Bank that will strengthen the role of the Europol agency and cooperation between different institutions to combat human trafficking. Europol Against the Smuggling of Illegal Migrants, which has more than 83 operational working groups and has seized €1.2 billion in cash since its establishment in 2016.
The update of European regulations coincided with the launch of the EU-backed Global Alliance at an international conference chaired by President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels this Tuesday. “Migrant smuggling is a common global problem and we must join forces,” von der Leyen said before representatives from 57 countries and more than 400 attendees.