Belgian authorities have reported a rise in attempted Channel crossings from their coast, linking the trend to tighter French enforcement after a new UK–France migration deal, which has pushed smuggling routes northwards.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg has issued a series of rulings that would appear to strengthen the EU's position on seeking to outsource asylum procedures to third countries, even though they were issued in a specific case, and pertain to an airport jurisdiction, rather than a third country.
Belgium’s migration minister visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to dissuade asylum applications, amid a rise in Congolese claims that are largely rejected on what Brussels claims to be economic grounds. The visit comes as Belgium expands migration cooperation with several other countries as part of its migration policy.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ruled that Belgium's treatment of four asylum seekers amounted to degrading treatment. The defendants had arrived in Belgium from Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, and China in 2022, and told the Strasbourg court that they had not received adequate assistance that year as well as the following year. The ECtHR decision could have implications reaching beyond Belgium.
French authorities confirmed that two women and two men have died after attempting to cross the Channel from France to the UK. Local newspapers reported there are fears that "more bodies were seen floating" from the beach, and local authorities say the situation is "ongoing."
Belgium and Algeria have signed two linked agreements aimed at speeding up the return of Algerian nationals irregularly staying in Belgium while easing visa requirements for holders of Algerian diplomatic and service passports.
Authorities started tracking the network’s activities in 2025, across a complex international supply chain that included sourcing inflatable boats in Asia and storing them in Germany. A single migrant boat, often carrying on average about 66 people, is estimated to rake in up to 100,000 euros for traffickers.
In the wake of increased monitoring operations along the French coastline, Belgian authorities have reported an increasing number of migrant boats leaving the Belgian coast attempting to cross the English Channel towards the UK.
According to Belgian authorities, an increasing number of migrant boats are leaving the Belgian coast to try to reach the United Kingdom by crossing the English Channel irregularly. This new route is emerging as smuggling networks try to evade increased surveillance along the French coastline.
The suspension of the provisions on family reunification and asylum assistance comes in response to complaints brought before the court by affected asylum seekers and rights groups.
Belgium is tightening its asylum and migration rules while facing growing labor shortages and an aging population. Economists warn that stricter policies aimed at reducing arrivals may conflict with the country’s long-term economic needs.
Belgium's Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt plans to visit Turkey and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to negotiate migrant returns. A Taliban official is also expected to visit Belgium to discuss Afghan migrant returns. NGOs have raised concerns about cooperation with oppressive regimes.