Hybrid threats arising from the weaponisation of migration by Russia, assisted by Belarus, pose a risk to sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity of the concerned Member States, but also to the security of the EU as a whole.

The Commission, together with EU Agencies, have provided support to Member States since Russia and Belarus started using migration for political purposes.

In December 2024, the Commission adopted a communication on countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU’s external borders[1].

This communication recalled the legal context in which any exceptional measure to tackle this threat can be taken, taking into account the case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU that provides guidance as regards the conditions and limits.

The Commission does not have aggregate figures relevant specifically to returns of those third-country nationals who crossed the EU borders with Russia and Belarus.

Last updated: 7 July 2025