July 2025 witnessed two significant visits to London by the leaders of France and Germany – French President Emmanuel Macron followed shortly by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. These visits symbolized a determined effort by the United Kingdom and the European Union’s leading countries to move past the often painful and divisive episode of Brexit. More importantly, they signaled a renewed commitment to cooperation on the pressing challenges that face the continent, chief among them the complex issue of irregular migration.
The diplomatic exchanges and agreements forged during these high-profile visits reflect a shared understanding among France, Germany, and the UK of the necessity to work constructively together in a spirit of mutual respect and partnership. These leaders reactivated the informal “E3” group-comprising France, Germany, and the UK-reasserting its role as a pivotal force in European security and diplomacy. This revival underscores a crucial point: although the UK has exited the European Union, it remains a vital partner whose collaboration is indispensable in tackling continental concerns.
One of the most urgent issues dominating both visits was irregular migration, specifically the perilous crossings of the English Channel by migrants using small boats. According to data from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, nearly 37,000 migrants attempted this crossing in 2024, a rise from previous years. Alarmingly, the first half of 2025 has seen an even greater surge in attempts, accompanied by a tragic spike in fatalities-at least 82 deaths, including 14 children, marking a grim record.
This migration crisis is neither simple nor easily solvable. It involves a web of complex and intertwined factors including humanitarian, legal, economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Migration itself is a deeply human phenomenon-one rooted in historical patterns of movement and driven by a combination of “push” and “pull” factors: people seek safer and more prosperous lives due to conditions in their home countries, such as war, poverty, persecution, and increasingly, climate change.
Understanding these dynamics requires a clear differentiation between the different types of migrants and asylum seekers. Conflating economic migrants, asylum seekers, family reunification cases, students, and those arriving illegally creates confusion in public discourse and policymaking. Each category deserves a distinct approach based on legal, humanitarian, and economic criteria. Simplistic narratives and prejudices only fuel divisive politics and hinder effective policy solutions.
The migration debate in Europe and the UK has become highly politicized, often toxic, and fertile ground for right-wing populist and ultranationalist parties. These groups thrive on fear, misinformation, and xenophobia, using migration as a wedge issue to gain political support. This polarization endangers social cohesion, fuels hate crimes, and threatens the stability of democratic societies.
Both the UK and the EU countries face the daunting task of navigating this political minefield while crafting policies that are both humane and effective. The rise of anti-immigration sentiments has made it harder to reach consensus on balanced migration policies and to foster the public’s empathy for those fleeing desperate circumstances.
The UK and France’s recently agreed “one in, one out” deal is a notable attempt to curb irregular Channel crossings by creating a system where for each migrant returned to France, another with a legitimate claim to asylum in the UK can enter legally. While the initiative represents progress in bilateral cooperation, questions remain about its effectiveness and scalability.
At this point, it is unclear how many migrants will actually be returned to France, and the deterrent impact of the plan is yet to be assessed. The policy’s success will hinge on its operational details, the capacity to implement it effectively, and the political will on both sides. More broadly, the plan does not address the core issues driving migration, nor does it dismantle the criminal networks that profit from human smuggling.
The migration flows across the Channel are facilitated by sophisticated and ruthless smuggling networks. These criminal enterprises exploit the desperation of migrants willing to pay exorbitant fees for a chance at a better life. Efforts to dismantle these networks are essential but not sufficient to end irregular migration.
Data on migrants attempting the crossing show that many originate from conflict-affected and politically unstable countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Albania, Syria, and Eritrea. The demand for smuggling services is a symptom of deeper systemic problems. Even with enhanced border security and international cooperation to tackle trafficking gangs, the lucrative nature of this trade ensures new actors will emerge to fill any vacuum.
Stopping irregular migration at the border or pushing back migrants once they arrive is at best a partial solution. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive, integral migration policy that offers safe and legal pathways for migration and asylum. Such a policy must balance the legitimate needs of countries to control their borders with the realities of global migration pressures.
European countries, including the UK, require migrant labor to fill critical workforce gaps, and many migrants contribute positively to host societies economically and culturally. At the same time, the moral and legal obligations to protect refugees fleeing persecution and violence must be upheld without compromise.
Perhaps the most daunting aspect of migration management is addressing the root causes that compel millions to leave their homelands. Political instability, war, corruption, lack of economic opportunities, and environmental degradation remain rampant in many countries.
The international community’s record on tackling these underlying drivers is disappointing. Yet, without meaningful progress in stabilizing fragile states, promoting good governance, fostering sustainable development, and combating climate change, the flow of migrants seeking safety and prosperity will continue unabated.
An increasingly visible factor in migration patterns is climate change. Droughts, floods, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels are rendering large parts of the world inhospitable. These environmental pressures exacerbate existing socio-economic vulnerabilities and drive displacement on an unprecedented scale.
The global neglect of climate change mitigation and adaptation will only intensify migratory pressures in the coming decades. Addressing migration effectively therefore requires integrating climate policy with humanitarian and development strategies.
The recent UK-France migration deal and the revived E3 collaboration represent important steps towards better managing migration and broader security concerns in Europe. However, such measures must be part of a larger, more holistic approach that embraces cooperation across borders, clarity in migration categories, respect for human rights, and a commitment to tackling the structural problems that fuel migration.
By recognizing migration as an inevitable and necessary phenomenon, rather than a threat to be eradicated, the UK and EU can build policies that benefit both migrants and host societies. This includes expanding legal migration channels, enhancing asylum systems, investing in integration, and supporting source countries through development aid and diplomatic engagement.
The symbolic visits by Macron and Merz to London in July were more than mere diplomatic gestures; they were a powerful message of intent. Despite the turmoil of Brexit, the UK and the EU’s leading nations have chosen dialogue and cooperation over division. Their focus on the challenge of irregular migration highlights the urgency and complexity of this shared problem.
Success will require not only innovative policies and effective enforcement but also courage-courage to confront difficult truths, to resist political scapegoating, and to invest in the long-term solutions that can provide dignity, safety, and opportunity to millions of people. Only by doing so can Europe move forward together, building a future that is secure, prosperous, and compassionate.