Greece’s Asylum Suspension: A Foretaste of Fortress Europe?
The number of migrants attempting Mediterranean crossings has surged 70% in the first half of 2023, according to UNHCR data, and Greece’s response – suspending the right to seek asylum for those arriving by sea from North Africa – isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a bellwether, signaling a potential hardening of attitudes and policies across the European Union, and a dangerous erosion of international law. This move, approved on July 11th, risks not only the lives of vulnerable individuals but also the foundational principles of the EU’s commitment to human rights.
A Repeat of Past Failures: The 2020 Precedent
This isn’t the first time Greece has employed this tactic. A similar suspension in March 2020 resulted in documented instances of violence, arbitrary detention, and chaotic conditions for asylum seekers. The lack of a formal registration process leaves individuals in a legal limbo, vulnerable to exploitation and refoulement – the forcible return to a country where they face persecution. The current suspension, lasting three months, raises serious concerns that these past abuses will be repeated and potentially escalated. The justification, a recent increase in arrivals, feels less like a solution and more like a pretext for circumventing legal obligations.
Libya: A Destination of Abuse
The Greek government’s stated intention to cooperate with Libyan authorities to prevent departures is particularly alarming. Libya is demonstrably unsafe for migrants and asylum seekers. United Nations investigations have found that detention centers in Libya are rife with horrific abuses, amounting to crimes against humanity. Returning individuals to Libya, even with assurances of safety, is akin to knowingly sending them into a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. This policy directly contravenes the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international refugee law.
The EU’s Silent Complicity
The deafening silence from the European Commission is perhaps the most troubling aspect of this situation. While institutions like the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights and the UNHCR have swiftly condemned Greece’s actions, the Commission’s lack of response suggests a tacit acceptance of policies that undermine EU law. Each day of inaction emboldens member states to prioritize border control over fundamental rights. This inaction isn’t simply a failure of leadership; it’s a potential betrayal of the values upon which the EU was founded.
Frontex Under Scrutiny: A Test of Commitment
The role of Frontex, the EU border and coast guard agency, is now under intense scrutiny. During the 2020 suspension, Frontex increased its presence in Greece despite the clear legal violations. Will history repeat itself? Frontex’s response to this latest development will be a critical test of its commitment to upholding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. A continued willingness to assist in operations that violate international law would severely damage the agency’s credibility and raise serious questions about its accountability.
The Rise of “Externalization” of Asylum
Greece’s actions are part of a broader trend towards the “externalization” of asylum – attempting to shift responsibility for processing asylum claims to countries outside the EU. This approach, often justified as a means of deterring irregular migration, effectively outsources the moral and legal obligations of providing protection to vulnerable individuals. Other EU member states are exploring similar arrangements, raising the specter of a “Fortress Europe” where access to asylum is increasingly restricted and the rights of migrants are systematically curtailed. The focus is shifting from rescue and protection to containment and deterrence.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Increased Restriction?
The coming months will be crucial. The outcome of Greece’s three-month suspension, the European Commission’s response, and Frontex’s actions will set a precedent for future border management policies across the EU. We can anticipate increased pressure on other member states to adopt similar restrictive measures, particularly those facing high levels of irregular migration. The potential for further erosion of the right to asylum is very real. The key question is whether the EU will reaffirm its commitment to fundamental rights or succumb to the pressures of securitization and political expediency. The future of asylum in Europe hangs in the balance.
What steps can be taken to ensure that human rights are upheld at Europe’s borders? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
