EU restricts visas for non-cooperation on migration
Citizens from third countries that do not take back rejected asylum-seekers may find it more difficult to obtain visas for the EU. Conversely, full cooperation could reap extra rewards.
Belgium
A Sudanese refugee’s open letter to the European Parliament: 'We sleep under the bridges of your beautiful cities'
InfoMigrants recently received an open letter penned by a Sudanese refugee, Ahmad Gamal, that addresses the European Parliament. After being forced to flee his native Darfur, the 27-year-old arrived in France in 2017 and now studies sociology at a university in Lyon. In his letter, Ahmad urges the EU to make its fatal migration policies more welcoming and humane.
What the European Parliament election results could mean for migration
Right-wing anti-migration parties in Italy and France are celebrating large wins in the European elections this week but can they and their allies across Europe influence the future policy of the EU regarding migration?
EU steps up information exchange among member states
The European Council has stepped up information exchange between EU countries on the issue of migration flows through regulations that improve the efficiency of border checks and help to fight against irregular migration.
ECJ: Refugees cannot automatically be deported after committing crimes
The European Court of Justice has ruled that countries cannot deport people who would be in serious danger in their countries of origin, even if they commit crimes. However, they could lose their refugee status.
Is truth the best weapon against anti-migrant hate speech?
As the voices of hatred directed against migrants become louder and uglier in the lead up to European elections, pro-refugee and human rights groups are trying to drown out the haters with facts to counter the anti-migrant commentary. Will it work?
TV-series 'Eden': Migration on the small screen
Migration is the theme of a new mini-series, co-produced by French and German media. Under the title “Eden”, five different human stories across six episodes are woven together in an attempt to portray the extent that the current migration context has touched everyone’s lives in Europe.
European Parliament calls for more EU border guards
The European Parliament has called for an expansion of the EU's border protection authority. However, concerns over jurisdiction are giving many member states reason for pause.
EU cities and regions in migrant integration initiative
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and other four large associations of European entities (AER, CPMR, CEMR, Eurocities) have launched an initiative called "Cities and Regions for the Integration of Migrants" to work together on European policies for migrant integration.
EU looks to expand coast guard by 2027
The expansion of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex will be gradual, but slower than what was initially proposed. It still has to be approved by the EU parliament and member states.
Amnesty and Council of Europe criticise decision on Sophia
Amnesty International and the Council of Europe criticized the agreement by European countries on Operation Sophia, which will be extended for six months without naval support. Amnesty International called the decision "an outrageous abdication of EU governments' responsibilities." Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatocvic expressed "regret for the fact that this will lead to an even greater reduction of naval units in the Mediterranean."
Brussels concerned over lack of solution to disembarkations
Following the case of the ship Mare Jonio run by the NGO Mediterranea, the European Commission has renewed its appeal to the EU to urgently find predictable solutions for migrant disembarkations.