The Greek island of Lesbos has become a symbol of Europe's failed refugee policies. European ideals are falling by the wayside in the refugee camps, but there are few alternatives elsewhere. Florian Schmitz reports.
EU officials accuse the governments of several countries of a lack of cooperation when it comes to readmitting citizens whose asylum applications have been rejected within the bloc, a German newspaper reports.
EU leaders have agreed to extend a 2016 agreement with Turkey aimed at preventing migrants from reaching Europe. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the controversial deal has "proven its worth."
After the COVID-19 pandemic many more migrants and refugees will try to reach Europe, according to the head of the EU border agency, Frontex. Fabrice Leggeri also says Frontex "stands ready" to resume migrant returns to Turkey.
The EU high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, has declared that a migrant deal between Europe and Turkey remains valid. He said the accord reached five years ago has produced "tangible results."
The European Union aims to step up pressure on countries to take back migrants refused the right to remain in EU member states. The debate follows a report on how well third countries have cooperated on returns.
Proposed in September 2020, the New Pact on Migration and Asylum sets out the European Commission's new approach to migration in the bloc. It addresses border management and aims to integrate the internal and external dimensions of migration policies.
A top EU lawyer has delivered yet another blow to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the policies of his administration. The lawyer said that the country's criminalization of individuals or groups who helped migrants stood at odds with EU law.
Portugal has started talks with other EU member states about the bloc's proposed asylum and migration pact. The aim is to find common ground and overcome differences, a statement from the Portuguese interior ministry said.
The UN migration agency IOM has helped to relocate 270 migrants from Malta to other European countries this year. More than eight times as many arrived on the island in the past 12 months.
The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) -- which is part of the EU financial framework for 2021-2027 -- will amount to 9.882 billion euros in current prices. The announcement came after a deal was reached by the European Parliament and the European Council.
Greece has announced that 7,200 migrants stuck in temporary accommodation since the blaze at the Moria camp in September will be moved to permanent accommodation by September 2021. The European Commission will support the Greek government with the building project.