A Greek migration official has criticized the EU’s inability to implement effective deportation policies and has highlighted the growing global displacement due to war and climate change. Sofia Voultepsi emphasized the need for a common framework for asylum, returns, and integration, while noting concerns over increasing refugee numbers, notably in Lebanon. Incidents involving migrant rescues at sea underscore the urgency of the situation, as various European countries consider shifting their asylum processing policies.
A Greek government official has publicly criticized the outgoing European Commission for its inability to establish a cohesive policy on the deportation of migrants, emphasizing the increasing global displacement driven by conflict and climate change. Deputy Minister for Migration Sofia Voultepsi addressed a conference near Athens, asserting that the recently agreed-upon European Union migration pact remains insufficient in practical implementation. She stated, “We got the (agreement), but the basic piece is still missing: Returns.” Voultepsi called for a unified strategy encompassing asylum, returns, and integration processes. Furthermore, she expressed concern regarding the escalating number of refugees in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah, and highlighted the dire situations in countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, where conflict and climate change are contributing to a continuous influx of migrants toward Europe. As Greece serves as a critical entry point for migrants entering the European Union, most of whom cross perilously from Turkey and Libya, Voultepsi underscored the need for coordinated actions. Recently, the Greek coast guard reported the rescue of 81 migrants from a stranded vessel attempting to travel from Turkey to Italy, with the migrants revealing they had paid significant sums for the journey, leading to arrests related to smuggling. Additional developments in Europe include an Italian navy ship set to dock in Albania with migrants whose asylum claims will be processed there instead of Italy, reflecting shifting migration policies across the continent. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has proposed a temporary suspension of the right to asylum, pending parliamentary approval.
The issue of migration within the European Union has been a contentious topic, particularly as conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, alongside the repercussions of climate change, lead to increased displacement of populations seeking refuge. Greece has become a primary entry point for many migrants, largely facilitating their entry to EU territories from neighboring countries. The European Union responded to the growing pressure by drafting a migration pact earlier in the year, yet criticisms persist regarding its practicality and efficacy, particularly relating to the lack of a coherent system for deportations and asylum processing.
In conclusion, the recent statements by Deputy Minister Sofia Voultepsi highlight the ongoing struggles faced by Greece and the broader European Union in addressing the complex issues of migration, exacerbated by global conflicts and climate challenges. As new agreements and policies emerge, the focus on establishing effective systems for returns and integration remains crucial for managing continued influxes of migrants.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
