Frontex considers disciplinary action against Greece over migrant pushbacks
The European Union’s border agency, Frontex, is weighing disciplinary action against Greece for its ongoing pushbacks of migrants, a violation of international law, political news website Politico reported Thursday.
Jonas Grimheden, Frontex’s fundamental rights officer, told Politico and Welt that the agency faced two options: suspend its mission in Greece or ask the European Commission to initiate infringement proceedings against Athens.
Grimheden emphasized that halting Frontex operations would undermine oversight, statinEg, “If Frontex were to leave Greece, there would no longer be any way to learn how the authorities are dealing with arriving migrants. The agency ensures monitoring and transparency.”
However, he stressed the need for consequences, suggesting the Commission could tie Greece’s funding to improvements in its treatment of migrants. “There must be some kind of punishment,” Grimheden said, noting that the Commission could potentially launch legal action before the EU Court of Justice.
Frontex’s stance follows a series of concerning incidents, including the deaths of seven migrants off Lesbos in April. Grimheden added, “Greece remains our biggest problem in terms of human rights.” Greece currently faces 13 open human rights cases related to migrant treatment, the highest in the EU.
Greek officials, however, maintain that the country plays a crucial role in protecting Europe’s borders and that any complaints are thoroughly investigated.
Kathimerini
