On the 1st of October, Greece called on the European Union to allow member states to suspend the acceptance of asylum applications during periods of large-scale migration flows, noting that current rules are inadequate for emergency situations like the one experienced in Ceuta this summer, reports Reuters.The proposal, submitted during a meeting of EU interior ministers, garnered support from some of the bloc’s member states. Dutch Migration Minister Bart van der Brink stated that a legal way must be found to prevent a mass influx of migrants into the asylum system; situations like the one in Ceuta should be treated as a broader management issue rather than an asylum matter. Since the arrival of more than a million people in the EU in 2015—most of them Syrians fleeing war—anti-immigration sentiment has remained a significant factor in politics. Large-scale migrant flows have fueled support for nationalist and far-right parties, and many governments have shifted toward stricter migration policies focusing on border control, deterrence, and the return of migrants. Illegal migration has decreased by 35% this year, and 8% more migrants were returned in the first half of the year compared to the preceding six-month period.Spain estimated that more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July. While the majority have been returned to Morocco, around 10,000 individuals remain on Spanish territory, prompting governments in several countries to call for a tougher approach.Several member states have noted that the EU Migration Pact, which entered into force in June, has helped reduce the number of arrivals but lacks sufficient tools to respond to large-scale emergencies—even though the pact does include mechanisms for such situations.Greek Migration Minister Athanasios Plevris stated that the pact has improved the bloc’s ability to manage migration flows, but that it is not enough. Ahead of the meeting of EU interior ministers, he told reporters that such situations require enhanced border surveillance and the suspension of the acceptance of asylum applications.Plevris’s recommendations follow remarks made two weeks ago by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who stated that the Commission would propose emergency guidelines enabling member states to respond to the sudden arrival of large numbers of migrants.When asked whether the new emergency legislation might include a suspension of asylum application processing, Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that international law must be respected. He noted that Europe needs ways to protect its borders and that when mass movement is used as a weapon, the issue becomes one of security, not just migration. At the same time, Europe will always uphold fundamental rights and values.On the 1st of October, ministers approved a framework on returns that will allow member states to establish return centers outside the EU. Rwanda has already engaged in preliminary talks with several European countries regarding the hosting of migrants.
Greece proposes suspending the acceptance of asylum applications during emergencies · BNN
