Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed concerns regarding proposals to outsource the European Union’s asylum policy to non-EU countries. This statement comes as migration is set to dominate discussions at a leaders’ summit in Brussels, where several European leaders are exploring innovative solutions to manage migration more effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Mitsotakis cautions against the EU outsourcing asylum policies to external countries.
- The Italian model of processing migrants in Albania is under scrutiny.
- Greece emphasizes the need for both legal migration and stricter controls on irregular entries.
- The current deportation rate for failed asylum seekers in the EU is only 20%.
Background on the Migration Debate
As the southeastern gateway to the EU, Greece has historically faced significant challenges related to migration. The country has been criticized for its treatment of asylum seekers, particularly those arriving by sea. Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s efforts in saving thousands of lives at sea while also stressing the need for stricter entry controls.
Concerns Over Outsourcing Asylum Policies
During the summit, Mitsotakis pointed out that while the Italian model of processing migrants in Albania may work bilaterally, it may not be feasible for the entire EU. He stated, "Let me be careful here. This is a bilateral arrangement. I don’t know whether it could be replicated at the European level."
He raised questions about the logistics of such a system, asking, "If we were to do so at the European level . . . where would they go?"
The Need for Legal Migration
Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of increasing legal migration alongside efforts to curb irregular entries. He noted the critical labor shortages in Greece, stating, "If you want to build a big fence, you also need a big door." This highlights the paradox of needing to control borders while also addressing labor demands in the economy.
Current EU Migration Framework
The Greek Prime Minister called for a reevaluation of the EU’s current migration framework, particularly regarding the treatment of failed asylum seekers. He pointed out that the current deportation rate of 20% for rejected asylum applications is insufficient. Mitsotakis stated, "There are people whose asylum applications are rejected . . . and what to do with those has never been a topic of discussion."
Broader European Context
The migration issue is not isolated to Greece. Other EU leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have also taken a more hardline stance on migration. Tusk recently announced a temporary suspension of the right to asylum for individuals entering Poland through Belarus, citing security concerns.
Germany has implemented border controls, raising questions about the future of the Schengen area, which allows for passport-free travel across many European countries. Scholz remarked that the current proposals for outsourcing asylum are inadequate for a country as large as Germany, indicating a need for more comprehensive solutions.
Conclusion
As discussions continue at the EU summit, the skepticism expressed by Greece’s Prime Minister highlights the complexities of managing migration in Europe. The balance between humanitarian responsibilities and national security remains a contentious issue, with leaders grappling to find effective solutions that address both concerns.
Sources
- Greece sceptical about EU outsourcing asylum seekers, Financial Times.
