EU Southern Borders: Med 5 Urge Returns and Relocation, EU Eyes on Migration Cooperation Rather Than Abuse in North Africa, Few Developments at JHA Council, Italy Under Scrutiny on Delayed Crotone Rescue as Appeal Launched Against Detention of NGO Rescue Ship
The Med 5 countries of Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Spain and Italy met in Valetta and urged increased EU focus on returns and more relocation from other member states. EU and member states continue to focus on migration cooperation in North Africa amid ongoing violence and...
Partnership Principle in EU funds: Strong on Paper, Weak in Practice
Op-Ed by Chiara Catelli. Chiara Catelli is a Policy Officer at ECRE and PICUM (Platform on International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants). She is leading ECRE and PICUM’s advocacy work on funding for migration, asylum and inclusion at the European Union level....
Greece: Further “Fortification” of Borders and More Vessels for Hellenic Coast Guard as Situation for Refugees in Türkiye Worsens Following Earthquakes, Series of Reports on Systematic Detention and Abuse
The Greek government is expanding the fortification of the Evros border and providing 50 new vessels for the Hellenic Coast Guard. The already dire situation for refugees in Türkiye is worsening after the recent tragic earthquakes. New reports shed light on detention...
Balkan Route: Ongoing Systematic Violence and Pushbacks Across Balkans, Frontex to Assist North Macedonia in “Border Management”, Bulgaria Sees Deadly Incident Leaving 18 Afghans Dead
Border Violence Monitoring Network’s (BVMN) latest regional update and a joint report by collectives in Serbia points to ongoing systematic violence towards people on the move across the Balkans. The Council of the EU gives the green light for the European Border and...
Atlantic Route and Spain: More Tragedies Despite Rescue Efforts, Cargo Ships Taking Survivors to Disputed Territory in Western Sahara
Multiple tragedies in the Atlantic Ocean over recent weeks despite rescue efforts. Reports of pullbacks of survivors to Moroccan held Western Sahara by cargo ships in “violation of international agreements”. Tragedies, as well as rescue operations, continue in the...
Mediterranean: Italy Sees Critique and Scrutiny after Deadly Shipwreck as Government Continue Crack-down on Civilian Rescue Operators, Strong Reaction from African Union on “Hate Speech” From Tunisian EU Partner
Following a deadly shipwreck, the Italian government is facing severe critique and response from authorities is under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the government continues its crack-down on civilian rescuers placing MSF Sea vessel, Geo Barents under administrative detention....
European Commission and Member State Plans to Link Readmission to Trade Preferences for Developing Countries Faces Criticism
The Council and the European Parliament are currently negotiating a revision of the General System of Preferences (GSP) which removes import duties from products coming into the EU market from developing countries. The GSP system aims to support sustainable...
Training Seminar on EU Advocacy
Call for applications: Training Seminar on EU Advocacy 6 and 7 July 2023 in Brussels, Belgium Are you actively engaged in advocating for refugee rights? Are you a refugee advocate or working in a refugee-led organisation? Are you interested in deepening and broadening...