Sofia Voultepsi, Greece’s Deputy Minister for Migration, criticized the European Commission for not developing an effective migration policy. She stressed the need for coordinated systems for asylum, returns, and integration, highlighting the increasing displacement due to wars and climate change in regions such as the Middle East and Africa. Greece’s role as a primary entry for migrants is underscored, with recent incidents of rescue and agreements between Italy and Albania on asylum processing. Poland is also moving towards suspending asylum rights.
In a recent statement, Sofia Voultepsi, the Greek Deputy Minister for Migration, reprimanded the outgoing European Commission for its inability to establish an effective and cohesive policy for the deportation of migrants. She emphasized that the current European Union migration pact, which was ratified earlier this year, still lacks essential components concerning migrant returns. Voultepsi insisted on the urgent need for a comprehensive approach involving asylum, returns, and integration systems to manage the growing challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and climate change, which are exacerbating global displacement. Furthermore, she raised concerns regarding the increasing number of refugees in Lebanon, a situation aggravated by Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah. Voultepsi highlighted that various nations in Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, are simultaneously facing conflicts and the adverse impacts of climate change, leading to a continuous influx of migrants toward Europe. Greece remains a primary entry point for migrants into the European Union, with many attempting perilous crossings from Turkey and Libya. Recently, the Greek coast guard rescued 81 migrants from a vessel en route from Turkey to Italy. In another European development, Italy has engaged in an agreement with Albania to process the asylum requests of migrants intercepted at sea in the Albanian territory. Additionally, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has proposed suspending the right to asylum temporarily, a move that will require parliamentary approval.
The statements regarding migration policies come in a climate where European nations are grappling with unprecedented levels of displacement. The European Union has been actively discussing migration reforms in response to increased numbers of refugees fleeing violence and environmental disasters. The need for a coordinated approach is even more pressing given the ongoing geopolitical tensions and climate-related crises affecting regions that are traditionally sources of migration. Greece, as one of the main entry points for migrants into Europe, continues to face these challenges, impacting its national immigration strategies and responses.
In summary, Voultepsi’s remarks underline the urgent requirement for a unified EU strategy to address the complexities of migration, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and climate emergencies. As Europe prepares to implement a new migration pact, the emphasis on establishing effective systems for asylum, returns, and integration remains critical to managing this pressing global issue.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
