Greece pushes eu migration proposals
Greece is taking two key migration proposals to the EU Home Affairs Council on Thursday, focusing on an emergency mechanism for large-scale migration crises and the creation of Return Hubs in third countries.
Emergency response mechanism
Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris is expected to present the Greek proposal for a European mechanism addressing what Athens describes as the weaponisation of migration flows and hybrid threats at the EU’s external borders.
The proposal calls for a clear framework for situations involving sudden and large-scale arrivals, including enhanced border surveillance and the possibility of emergency measures.
Athens also wants the framework to allow the suspension of asylum procedures in cases involving mass arrivals and alleged weaponisation of migration, with specific conditions determining when exceptional measures could be activated.
Plevris has argued that conventional migration-management tools may not be sufficient during a crisis and that the EU needs a common response.
Push for return hubs
Greece is also seeking progress on a proposed system of Return Hubs in third countries.
Athens is working with Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria as part of a five-country Core Group seeking to establish a practical framework for cooperation with third countries.
Under the proposal, people whose applications for international protection have been rejected could be returned to a safe third country, provided the arrangements comply with European and international law.
Plevris has stressed that a Return Hub would not necessarily be a closed detention facility. Instead, the proposed system would provide a framework for returns either to countries of origin or to safe third countries outside the EU.
Greece has set a political target of having the first such hub operating in Africa during its presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2027.
Safeguards under discussion
The five-country Core Group is expected to meet international organisations alongside the Home Affairs Council to discuss monitoring arrangements and safeguards for agreements with third countries.
Greece says international organisations could provide expertise and field support, while responsibility for the system would remain with the participating states.
The next stage will focus on turning the proposals into concrete agreements, with legal conditions, implementation timelines and oversight mechanisms clearly defined.
Source:AMNA
