The intention is for customs services to share more information about the supply of boats and equipment used. The UK and France will take the initiative, with Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands also participating. The United Kingdom, no longer an EU member since 2020, is trying to stem the influx of tens of thousands of migrants who arrive from mainland Europe every year on small boats.
This migration route has often proven deadly, with the latest victim being a 7-year-old girl who drowned on Sunday when a small boat carrying sixteen migrants capsized in the Channel on its way from Northern France. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promises to stop the boats, but almost 30,000 people still crossed in 2023.
The plan for better customs coordination was discussed on Monday at a meeting in Brussels of the so-called Calais Group, which was set up to tackle irregular migration. The group consists of the UK, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, and the European Commission and agencies.
The migration issue is expected to play a major role in the British elections later this year, especially given the government’s pledge to strengthen control of the country’s borders after Brexit.