Forty-one leaders backed a joint statement on reducing irregular migration at the European Political Community summit in Dublin on 12 November 2026, according to the UK government. Those supporting the declaration include Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The document sets priorities for cooperation but does not introduce new legislation.
The statement was issued by the UK, Denmark and Italy. According to the UK government announcement published on 13 November, the leaders pledged to work together to achieve a sustained reduction in irregular migration into Europe and the movement within Europe of people without permission to stay.
Early warning, action against smugglers and returns
Priorities include early-warning systems and responses to threats at borders. The declaration also calls for action against disinformation about irregular crossings. To tackle smuggling networks, leaders want more systematic information-sharing and closer operational cooperation.
Another area is cooperation with migrants’ countries of origin and transit. The statement envisages supporting migrants closer to their home countries and developing partnerships focused on skills and employment. Leaders also backed more effective returns and readmission — the process through which the relevant countries accept people back — for those without a right to stay. These measures are to comply with international law.
The document underlines the importance of international protection conventions and cooperation with UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as well as the European Union and the Council of Europe.
The declaration does not change UK residence rules
Backing the statement is a political commitment, not confirmation that the proposed measures have been implemented. The announcement sets no numerical targets for reducing migration and gives no detailed timetable or budget. Nor does it provide data that would allow the results of cooperation to date to be measured.
For Polish people living in the UK, the important distinction is between this declaration and a change in the law: the announcement introduces no new residence rules or procedures affecting Polish citizens. The involvement of the Polish and UK prime ministers represents support for a shared European position, rather than a separate Polish-British agreement.
Leaders said they would return to the issue at the European Political Community summit in Switzerland.
