New Frontex boss vows to protect human rights
Hans Leijtens takes over as executive director of Frontex in March, as the EU's border agency is struggling to defend its credibility. Will he be able to deliver?
European Union
Athens to host European Conference on Border Management
The second European Conference on Border Management will take place in Athens, Greece, on February 23-24, as announced by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Save the Children slams EU for 'selective welcome' of migrants
The global charity has called out the EU for its double standards on how it treats Ukrainian refugee children versus children of other nationalities. Save the Children said Europe's treatment of Ukrainian refugees shows that it's possible to offer all children fleeing violence a safe and legal route to safety.
'EU offers a new gift to human traffickers' -- Italian NGOs
Last week's European Council meeting has given a "new gift" to human traffickers, according to Italian associations promoting migrant rights. The organizations said defending the European Union's external borders is not incompatible with a more humane and effective asylum system respecting the principle of solidarity.
EU to tighten borders and stuff migration loopholes
The EU has managed to decide on a series of new policies aimed at curbing irregular migration. However, the impact of those policies is likely going to be limited, with the focus on economic migration rather than addressing the root causes of migration.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Johansson calls for more repatriation programs
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson has said in an interview that erecting walls cannot be a sustainable solution to the migration issue. She urged that instead there should be a greater focus on repatriation.
EU Commission leader presents 'four-point plan' to prevent irregular migration
Ursula von der Leyen has called on EU member states and partner nations to strengthen solidarity and coordination in their fight against irregular migration. She also urged countries to increase the number of repatriations of irregular migrants, and to step up their border management capabilities – particularly at the Turkish-Bulgarian border.
EU migration ministers reach consensus over returning irregular migrants
The EU wants to use visas and development aid to pressure countries refusing to take back unqualified asylum seekers. Ursula von der Leyen has also said she wants the EU to present a list of "safe countries of origin," and boost border controls on the Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes.
Italian and Belgian foreign ministry officials discuss migration
At a meeting between two top officials from the foreign ministries of Italy and Belgium, migration was one of the key issues discussed.
EU sees asylum applications almost double in 2022: European Commission
Applications for asylum in the European Union in 2022 almost doubled compared with the previous year. Every third applicant came from Syria.
Irregular EU border crossings hit 'highest' level since 2016
Almost half of the 2022 irregular border crossings were made overland through the Western Balkans region, EU border agency Frontex said. The preliminary figures do not include Ukrainian refugees.
Ukraine war has caused largest refugee movement since WWII
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has unleashed the largest movement of refugees since World War II, the UN refugee agency has said. Roughly one third of Ukraine's population is reportedly displaced.