The European Commission has welcomed a new political declaration on migration adopted by the Council of Europe at a ministerial conference in Chișinău, describing it as a
reaffirmation of shared European values and a balanced approach to migration governance.
The declaration underscores the central role of the European Convention on Human Rights and the foundational values of the Council of Europe, which the Commission says are closely aligned with those of the European Union.
It addresses key challenges in contemporary migration policy, including irregular arrivals, the instrumentalisation of migration, and the return of third-country nationals staying unlawfully. According to the text, these issues should be managed in a way that balances the public interest with the protection of fundamental rights.
A central element of the declaration is the interpretation of the Convention as a “living instrument,” which must be applied in light of current realities. The Commission said this approach reflects its own evolving policy framework on migration management.
The EU executive also reiterated that safeguarding security and border integrity while upholding fundamental rights remains at the core of EU migration policy, as set out in the Pact on Migration and Asylum. It welcomed what it described as growing alignment between European institutions on these shared challenges.
The Commission highlighted its long-standing partnership with the Council of Europe, reaffirming a joint commitment to promoting democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and peace across the continent. It also signalled readiness to continue close cooperation with both the Council of Europe and EU Member States on migration policy.
The declaration follows discussions initiated at an informal ministerial conference in December 2025, where participants asked the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers to draft the text. It was adopted under the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.
The Commission also pointed to parallel efforts to combat migrant smuggling, including outcomes from a global conference on the issue held in December 2025. It said it will continue monitoring Council of Europe work on future recommendations aimed at deterring and combating smuggling networks.