The text was written during the European Political Community summit, which brought together 47 states in Copenhagen, including EU members and neighbouring countries.

The summit was attended by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von de Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

The declaration was signed by the leaders of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The text advocates for "tougher measures against smugglers" through better management of external borders and collaboration "on new ways to combat smuggling gangs, such as the use of sanctions regimes," reported the EFE news agency.

Furthermore, the declaration advocates for the application of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Refugee Convention "to protect against abuses and enable governments to meet modern challenges."

To increase the number of returns of migrants considered illegal, the signatories intend to "establish new and innovative partnerships, including with third countries, to speed up processing and alleviate internal pressures" and to use tools such as diplomacy and visa granting.

Furthermore, the text also calls for "collaboration with countries of origin and along transit routes" to encourage development, job creation, education, and voluntary returns "to achieve mutually beneficial partnerships."