A Greek official has criticized the European Commission for failing to establish a practical migration policy, highlighting the need for a system to manage deportations amid increasing global displacement due to war and climate change. Concerns were voiced regarding the ongoing refugee crisis, particularly from countries afflicted by conflict and environmental challenges, as Greece continues to be a major point of entry for migrants into the EU.
In a recent conference near Athens, Deputy Minister for Migration Sofia Voultepsi criticized the European Commission for its inadequate handling of migration policies, highlighting a lack of a cohesive strategy for deportations. She emphasized the significance of the recently established European Union migration pact, stating that it fails to address the critical component of migrant returns. “We got the (agreement), but the basic piece is still missing: Returns,” Voultepsi asserted. She further elaborated that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, coupled with the adverse effects of climate change, pose an enduring challenge to Europe, creating a consistent influx of displaced individuals. The deputy minister expressed particular concern regarding the escalating refugee crisis in Lebanon amidst recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. She pointed out that countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan are experiencing compounded issues of warfare and climate-related displacement, thus contributing to the increasing migration flow towards Europe. Greece continues to be a primary entry point for migrants seeking refuge within the European Union, with many arriving perilously via small vessels from Turkey and Libya. Recently, the Greek coast guard reported the rescue of 81 migrants from a stranded boat en route from Turkey to Italy. These individuals revealed that they had paid approximately $8,500 each for the journey, further complicating the issue of human trafficking as four of the individuals were arrested for smuggling charges. In contrast, other European nations are implementing distinct approaches to migration. An Italian naval vessel is set to dock in Albania with 16 migrants who will have their asylum applications processed there rather than in Italy, as part of a five-year agreement between the two countries. Furthermore, in Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has proposed temporarily suspending the right to asylum, pending parliamentary approval.
The topic of migration within Europe has gained heightened attention due to the multitude of factors contributing to increased displacement, including conflict and environmental crises. The European Union has struggled to implement a unified approach to handle the significant flow of migrants seeking asylum, leading to criticisms from member states heavily affected by this influx, such as Greece. The establishment of the recent EU migration pact, although a step towards a collaborative policy, is viewed as insufficient without a reliable system for deportations and returns of many migrants who do not qualify for asylum. Greece, being a frontline state in this ongoing crisis, voices particular concerns about the impact of ongoing wars and climate changes on migration patterns.
The recent remarks by Deputy Minister Sofia Voultepsi highlight critical shortcomings in the EU’s migration policies, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that includes effective return systems. Coupled with global issues such as warfare and climate change, Europe faces a continually rising challenge as it seeks to manage increasing numbers of displaced persons. The complexities surrounding this issue demand coordinated efforts among EU member states to create a sustainable and humane migration framework that can adequately address the realities of today’s global circumstances.
Original Source: apnews.com
