Greece proposes EU emergency mechanism to suspend asylum applications in mass-arrival crises

Greece said on 1 October that the EU should develop an emergency mechanism to temporarily suspend asylum applications during major migration crises, such as the arrival of tens of thousands of people in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July. 1 2 Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris, arriving at a meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs ministers in Luxembourg, said an EU migration pact had helped curb arrivals and increase returns but was not sufficient for emergencies like Ceuta. He said that in such cases there should be enhanced border surveillance and suspension of asylum. 1 Spain estimates more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July; most have since returned but about 10,000 remain. Spain's government has said only minors and small groups were brought to the mainland. 1 2

Greece's proposal appeared to draw support from some member states. Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said a legal way must be found not to bring such arrivals into the asylum procedure and that situations like Ceuta should be treated as border management rather than asylum issues. 2 The right to seek asylum is guaranteed by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Asked whether a suspension was possible under the new emergency law, EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner said Europe needs the means to protect its borders at all times while stressing that the EU will always comply with fundamental rights and values. 2 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this month that the Commission will propose an emergency tool for countries to deal with mass migration movements, but details are still being worked out. 2

Athens stopped processing asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for a few months last year and passed legislation to fast-track deportation of rejected asylum seekers. 1 The ministers also discussed return hubs outside the EU. Greece, Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands, known as the Group of Five, said they had agreed concrete steps towards setting them up. DW reports ministers approved a regulation allowing member states to establish such hubs for people required to leave the bloc who cannot be returned to their countries of origin. 1 2 Danish Interior Minister Morten Bodskov said return hubs were progressing very well. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the talks as preliminary, said agreements must withstand possible lawsuits, and hoped for a first deal by year's end. Dutch minister van den Brink said a technical mission visited a potential host country in early September. Supporters say hubs could ease repatriations and deter irregular migration; critics question their legality and say they violate migrants' rights. 2

Plans also include strengthening Frontex, with many stressing the need for a rapid intervention force for border crises. The talks come as far-right parties gain support across the bloc and governments move toward tougher migration policies. 2