EU EASTERN BORDERS: Significant increase in irregular crossings on eastern borders ― Finland plans stricter rules on detention and entry bans― More ECtHR rulings related to Hungarian transit zones ― Poland unveils new migration strategy, including ‘temporary’ suspension of asylum rights
The number of irregular crossings into the EU via the eastern borders increased significantly in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The Finnish government has proposed to tighten its rules governing detention and entry bans. The...
ATLANTIC ROUTE and SPAIN: Spanish Prime Minister calls for early implementation of Pact ― Political row over arrivals in Canary Islands escalates ― EU announces € 14 million support for reception in Canary Islands ― Major boat tragedy off El Hierro ― Bodies found in boat adrift in Atlantic
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that he will ask the European Commission to bring forward the implementation of the recently adopted EU Pact on Migration and Asylum from 2026 to 2025. A major political row is developing over Spain’s response to the...
NORWAY: Fence on Russian border under consideration ― End to automatic asylum for refugees from Ukraine ― NGOs express concern about proposed changes to migration law
Norway is considering following Finland’s lead in building a fence along its border with Russia. The government has announced that it will no longer grant automatic asylum to all refugees from Ukraine. A group of NGOs have expressed their concerns about proposed...
EDITORIAL: Irony Overload: Turning against the Pact
By Catherine Woollard In a strange reversal, the most ardent proponents of the Pact are now arguing against it, while those who opposed it – ECRE included – are focusing on implementation. Chief amongst the Pact repenters is the Netherlands, futilely proposing an...
NETHERLANDS: Netherlands leads group of countries calling for EU to speed up migrant returns ― Migration minister wants to install controversial warning signs in asylum centres and reduce length of residency permits for refugees ― Political agreement on proposed ‘Distribution Law’ despite government opposition
The Netherlands is one of two main proponents of a call by 17 European countries for the EU to speed up the return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin. Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber reportedly wants to install warning signs that read...
MEDITERRANEAN: Disagreement About Funding for New Fence and Concerns About Surveillance on Greece-Türkiye Border ― Investigation into Migrant Death in Greek Police Station ― Italy Considers Further Clampdown on Civilian Search and Rescue Activities; Detains Another Rescue Ship ― Commemorations to Mark 11th Anniversary of Lampedusa Tragedy
The Greek government is planning to build a new fence on the country’s border with Türkiye and a new report by the Border Violence Monitoring Network has condemned the ongoing ‘lack of transparency’ regarding the use of surveillance technology on the borders with...
FRANCE: New Government Vows Tougher Approach to Migration ― Discussions About Removing State Medical Aid for Undocumented People Provoke Reactions from Former Ministers and NGOs ― New Report Highlights ‘Double Violence’ Experienced by Migrant Women Who Report Abuse
The new government has vowed to take a tougher approach to migration, with a focus on overhauling the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and the Schengen Agreement. Plans to abolish the state medical aid (AME) for undocumented people have provoked strong reactions from...
AIDA Country Report on Malta – 2023 Update
The updated AIDA Country Report on Malta provides a detailed overview of legislative and practice-related developments in asylum procedures, reception conditions, detention of asylum seekers and content of international protection in 2023. It also includes an annex...