Greece Advocates for a European Solution to Migration Crisis
In light of recent developments concerning migrant transfers between Croatia and Albania, Greece's Minister of Migration and Asylum, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive "European solution" to the ongoing migration challenges facing the continent. Following the arrival of the first group of migrants in Albania, who were intercepted in Italian waters, Panagiotopoulos stated on a private television channel that bilateral agreements alone would not address the complexities of the situation. He highlighted the necessity for a unified approach among the 27 EU member states during the upcoming European summit.
Panagiotopoulos noted that the recent agreement, which allows Italy to transfer migrants to Albania, is a significant shift in Europe’s handling of asylum applications. He pointed out that the structure in Albania is designed to accommodate fewer than 1,000 migrants, which pales in comparison to the hundreds of thousands entering the EU. This reflects Greece's ongoing struggle with high numbers of arrivals, particularly from Türkiye, and its reluctance to accept more asylum seekers after years of managing a large influx of migrants, especially during the 2015 crisis.
Migrant Crisis: Challenges and New Agreements
The situation has been exacerbated by recent incidents, including the sinking of a boat carrying migrants near the island of Kos, where the Greek Coast Guard rescued 27 individuals and recovered four bodies. This tragic event underscores the perilous journeys many undertake to reach Europe, often from conflict-ridden regions such as Libya. Meanwhile, Italy's new policy of transferring migrants to Albania marks a controversial approach to managing asylum claims and deterring irregular migration. Under this agreement, Italy can send up to 36,000 migrants annually to Albania, severely limiting their chances of obtaining asylum.
As the EU grapples with varying migration policies among member states, Greece continues to call for a coordinated response to what it deems a European problem. The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to address these issues at the forthcoming summit, advocating for a collective strategy rather than isolated national efforts.
