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2023/0439(COD)E1st reading – European Parliament

Combating illegal immigration: minimum rules to prevent and counter the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the Union

With the European Parliament, which is preparing its first-reading position.

Last active 24 Jul 2025

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What this bill does

In plain terms: what it changes and who it affects.

The proposal updates EU criminal rules against migrant smuggling and related help with unauthorised entry, transit or stay.

Who it affects

It affects migrant smuggling networks, businesses used for smuggling, third-country nationals being smuggled, and Member State criminal justice and border-enforcement systems.

Core of the proposal
  • Criminalises assistance for unauthorised entry, transit or stay when linked to benefit or serious harm.
  • Creates aggravated offences for organised crime, serious violence, vulnerable migrants, serious harm, or death.
  • Sets maximum prison terms of at least three, ten, or fifteen years depending on seriousness.
  • Requires legal-person liability, turnover-based fines, data collection, prevention measures, training, and investigative tools.
Key provisions
Takes effect
The Directive enters into force on the twentieth day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Transitional law
Member States must transpose the Directive within one year after its entry into force.
Articles changed · 2 across 2 laws
  • Council Directive 2002/90/EC (32002L0090)
    • entire act: replaces the entire directive for Member States bound by this Directive
  • Council Framework Decision 2002/946/JHA (32002F0946)
    • entire act: replaces the entire framework decision for Member States bound by this Directive

Latest update

08 Jun 2026

The most recent development in this bill's progress.

1st reading – European Parliament → 1st reading – European Parliament

1st reading – European Parliament → 1st reading – European Parliament

Documents

1 recent

SourcesOEILEUR-LexEU Law Tracker