The European Commission and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs jointly proposed a new sanctions regime on 9 July 2026 aimed at disrupting organised crime networks involved in migrant smuggling, human trafficking, arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and money laundering. The framework would allow the bloc to impose targeted measures — such as asset freezes and travel bans — against individuals and entities responsible for these crimes across borders. The move signals a significant step toward using the EU's foreign policy and sanctions toolkit as a direct instrument against criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people.