Germany is planning a pilot program to return refugees to Greece, focusing on individuals who initially entered the EU through Greece and then moved to Germany. The initiative seeks to manage migration flows within the EU, but Greek authorities have raised concerns about capacity and the need for adequate support. This development highlights ongoing discussions on equitable burden-sharing among EU member states.
Tag: EU migration
Greek authorities have rescued 66 migrants on the southern island of Crete after they arrived from Libya by boat, part of a growing trend of smuggling operations using the Mediterranean route. The group, which included minors and women, consisted of nationals from Bangladesh, Egypt, and Sudan. Three Egyptians were arrested on smuggling charges, while migrants reported paying $2,000 each for the dangerous journey. The incident is among several recent arrivals highlighting the challenges Greece faces as migration from North Africa to Europe increases.
In October 2024, the EU recorded 86,945 first-time asylum applications, a 24% drop from the previous year. Greece stood out with the highest per capita rate of applicants (79.4 per 100,000 people) and received 445 unaccompanied minors, highlighting its pivotal role in managing migration. Syrians remained the largest group of asylum seekers, while Germany, Spain, Italy, and France hosted the majority of applicants.
The EU’s migration commissioner, Magnus Brunner, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to prioritising deportations during a visit to Greece, a major entry point for migrants into Europe. Speaking with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Brunner emphasized the importance of implementing the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact. The visit follows increased scrutiny of Greece’s migration policies amid rising migrant arrivals and a recent European court ruling on illegal deportations.
Greece recorded the highest rate of first-time asylum applications in the EU relative to its population in August 2024, with 59.9 applications per hundred thousand people, far exceeding the EU average of 15.4. While total EU asylum applications fell by nearly 25% compared to last year, Greece remains a key entry point for migrants, highlighting the ongoing challenges of equitable burden-sharing across member states.
In July 2024, Greece recorded the highest rate of first-time asylum applicants in the EU, with 55.1 applicants per 100,000 people. Eurostat reported a total of 74,695 first-time asylum applications across the EU, a 7.5% decrease from the previous year. Syrians, Afghans, and Venezuelans were the largest groups seeking asylum, while Germany, Italy, Spain, and France received the majority of applications. Additionally, 2,985 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum, with most coming from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt.
EU leaders have called for new legislation to “increase and speed up” migrant returns from the bloc, urging action from the European Commission as a matter of urgency following a summit in Brussels.
The Hellenic Coast Guard rescued 163 migrants in three separate incidents over the past 24 hours, while a woman was found dead near the island of Kos after a boat capsized. Rescue operations also took place near Gavdos and the Messinian Gulf, with all survivors safely transported to ports. In August 2024, nearly 3,000 migrants were arrested for illegal entry into Greece, alongside 88 traffickers.
Greece hailed the landmark overhaul of the EU asylum and migration rules following the renewed…