Brindisi, Italy 15.06.2024 “The conversation has changed” around migration laws in Europe as Rishi Sunak and his fellow G7 leaders launched a coalition to defeat the smuggling of migrants to Europe.

In a communique released while concluding of the two-day summit in Puglia, the leaders of the UK, US, Germany, Italy, France, Canada and Japan said they were launching the coalition and “affirming our collective commitment and enhanced cooperation to address migration, tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that it presents, in partnership with countries of origin and transit.

While commenting Sunak said that “it’s very clear that the conversation in Europe has changed on the topic of illegal migration” from the fact that 15 countries signed a letter last month calling on the European Commission to tighten migration policy and to look at third-country problems closely.

“We will focus on the root causes of irregular migration, efforts to enhance border management and curb transnational organised crime, and safe and regular pathways for migration,” the UK Prime minister said.

This new approach may require changes in the reassessment of what regards as a safe country under the EU’s asylum rules, he said.

When questioned if he believed he would be able to secure reform of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) following his discussions at the G7, the Prime Minister said: “I’ve been very clear that I believe our plans are compatible with our international obligations”.

“But if I’m forced to choose between the security of our borders in our country, and a foreign court including the ECHR, then I’m going to put our country’s security and our border security first every single time, so I’ve been unequivocal on that point.”

Migration was the first topic of discussion Friday, June 14, with the leaders considering methods to combat trafficking and increase investment in countries of origins.

The issue is of particular interest to Summit host Italy, which lies on one of the major routes into Europe for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her hard-line stance on migration, has been eager to increase investment and funding for African nations as a means of reducing migratory pressure on Europe.

The leaders “launched the G7 Coalition to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants,” the Summit’s final declaration said, noting the seven nations would “focus on the root causes of irregular migration, efforts to enhance border management and curb transnational organized crime, and safe and regular pathways for migration.”