EU Commission aims to expand migration cooperation with Egypt; Commissioner Magnus Brunner (EVP) pushes broader partnership

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner (EVP) will expand cooperation with Egypt. "Illegal migration into the EU is significantly declining. We will continue this trend by focusing on the countries of origin and transit," Brunner told the "Welt" (Friday edition).

Currently, the most active route leads from the Gulf through Egypt to Libya and subsequently into the EU. Egypt is therefore a central partner if this route is to be cut off, according to Brunner, who traveled to Cairo for talks on Thursday.

Between January and August 2026, a total of 19,411 irregular entries were registered via the central Mediterranean route, Frontex reported in September. The most frequently detected nationalities were Bangladeshis, Somalis, and Algerians. According to the "Welt," from sources close to Brunner, many traveled via Egyptian airports to Libya and then proceeded to Greece or Italy.

This is precisely where a new transit visa, introduced by Egypt this year, is already being implemented. Travelers from Bangladesh must now apply for it at the Egyptian embassy in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, before their journey; issuance upon arrival at the airport is no longer planned. The regulation primarily concerns travelers who used Egypt as a stopover en route to a third country. The EU is monitoring the implementation and advocates for its extension to other nationalities.

Another concern for the EU is the fight against smugglers. Sources close to Brunner stated that a new cooperation agreement between Cepol, the EU agency for the training and professional development of law enforcement, and the Egyptian Ministry of Interior is set to be signed on Thursday. This agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation with European security authorities.