rki.news
LONDON/PARIS — The United Kingdom and France have agreed on a new three-year deal to reduce undocumented migrant crossings across the English Channel, linking part of British funding to France’s performance in curbing departures.
Under the agreement, the UK will provide up to €766 million (about $897 million), with nearly a quarter of the funds tied to measurable results. Payments could be halted after one year if targets are not met.
The deal includes a significant expansion of French coastal patrols, with officer numbers set to rise by more than 50 percent to 1,400 by 2029. Additional measures include deploying law enforcement, intelligence, and military personnel along northern French beaches, alongside enhanced maritime surveillance.
New resources will include drones, helicopters, upgraded camera systems, and additional vessels and officers to intercept boats at sea. A specialized riot police unit and strengthened intelligence and judicial cooperation are also part of the plan.
The agreement renews commitments under the Sandhurst Treaty, as London presses for stronger action to prevent crossings. Around 41,000 migrants reached the UK in small boats in 2025, the highest figure recorded since 2018.
Officials say joint operations have already stopped over 42,000 attempted crossings since mid-2024, while France reports a decline in arrivals in early 2026 and increased action against smuggling networks.