Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-003974/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE)
The mass, uncontrolled influx of immigrants is bringing thousands of foreign criminals into Europe.
In Morocco, king Mohammed VI pardoned almost 20 000 convicted prisoners in July 2025, bringing the total number of pardons granted to almost 60 000 since 2019, including 121 prisoners who were convicted on charges of extremism and terrorism.
In addition, 26 211 illegal immigrants, many from Morocco, have entered Spain so far this year without undergoing any kind of prior checks.
Sources from Member States’ judiciaries and police forces have confirmed the connection between the above facts, the increase in crime rates and the identification of imported criminals.
In addition to insufficient ambition in tackling illegal immigration, there is also a lack of jurisdiction on the high seas. Recently, an illegal immigrant killed a 5-year-old child in a kayak and, although the perpetrator has been identified, they cannot be arrested since the crime was committed in international waters.
Within the framework of the EU maritime security strategy:
- 1.Does the Commission have any information on the arrival of criminals and the lack of jurisdiction?
- 2.Have recommendations been made for Member States to extend their jurisdiction to international waters?
Submitted: 8.10.2025