A Greek official has criticized the EU for its inadequate migration policy, emphasizing the need for a common approach to deportations and integration. Sofia Voultepsi warned that ongoing wars and climate change will worsen global displacement, applying pressure on Europe. Recent incidents illustrate the perilous journeys migrants undertake, while broader European trends show shifts in asylum processing and rights.
A Greek government official has issued a stern critique of the European Commission’s failure to establish a cohesive deportation policy for migrants. During a conference held near Athens, Sofia Voultepsi, Greece’s Deputy Minister for Migration, emphasized that while a significant European Union migration agreement was reached earlier this year, it lacks essential mechanisms for migrant returns. Voultepsi remarked, “We got the (agreement), but the basic piece is still missing: Returns. We must have a common system for asylum, a common system for returns, and a common system for integration.” She warned that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, compounded by the adverse impacts of climate change, are likely to exacerbate the inflow of migrants to Europe. Grece remains a primary entry point for asylum seekers aiming to reach the EU, predominantly traveling from Turkey and Libya under perilous conditions. Recently, the Greek coast guard reported the successful rescue of 81 migrants from a vessel attempting to navigate from Turkey to Italy, illustrating the persistent peril faced by those making such treacherous journeys. Moreover, her comments highlight increasing tensions in the region due to Israeli actions in Lebanon and escalating humanitarian crises in countries afflicted by both warfare and climate-related challenges. The Greek official’s statements come amidst broader changes within European migration policies, including Italy’s cooperation with Albania regarding migrant processing and Poland’s proposed suspension of asylum rights.
The European response to migration has been a contentious issue, particularly as conflicts and environmental factors continue to drive displacement across regions. Greece serves as a critical entry point into the EU, and as such, its leaders are particularly attuned to the challenges and strains caused by rising numbers of incoming migrants. The recent agreement by the EU aims to address migration but has faced criticism for its lack of actionable measures, particularly concerning deportation and comprehensive refugee integration. The implications of ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as tensions in the Middle East, combined with the looming threat of climate change, mark significant factors contributing to this crisis.
In summary, the remarks made by Deputy Minister Sofia Voultepsi underscore a pivotal concern regarding the inadequacies in the EU’s current migration policies, particularly in relation to deportation. She highlights the urgent need for unified systems to manage asylum, returns, and integration to effectively respond to the increasing pressures of war and climate change on migration flows. As Greece continues to grapple with its role as a primary entry point into Europe, these conversations will be instrumental in shaping future migration strategies across the continent.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
