Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed that European Union countries should be permitted to temporarily suspend asylum applications for newly arrived migrants. This suggestion comes in response to recent events, including the storming of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, and aims to deter future mass arrivals and prevent a recurrence of the 2015 migration crisis.
Mitsotakis outlined the proposal in an opinion piece, stating that such emergency measures should be implemented when large groups attempt to breach the bloc's external borders. He also emphasized the need for the swift return of individuals not entitled to remain in the EU. The proposal, however, is likely to face controversy in Brussels and among some member states, as it could be interpreted as a violation of international law.
The suggested measures bear resemblance to policies previously considered by the UK government. The Conservative administration passed the Illegal Migration Act 2023, which aimed to suspend the right to claim asylum for individuals arriving via small boats. However, these proposals were later abandoned by the Labour government following concerns from human rights groups about potential breaches of the Refugee Convention.
EU Tensions Flare Over Ceuta Incident
The proposal emerges amid heightened tensions among EU nations following the recent events in Ceuta. On a Thursday, approximately 60,000 migrants reportedly swam from Morocco to the Spanish enclave, exploiting perceived weaknesses in border security. At least 57 individuals died during the crossing, succumbing to drowning or injuries sustained at the border fence. By Friday night, authorities reported that around 48,000 of those who entered Ceuta had been returned to Morocco.
The influx prompted calls from some European leaders for Spain's temporary suspension from the Schengen free-travel zone, a move that elicited a strong reaction from Madrid. A recent summit of EU ambassadors reportedly saw Spain's envoy express bitterness towards other member states, who in turn criticized Spain's border protection measures and demanded explanations on how to prevent similar incidents.
Mitsotakis also suggested that external state and non-state actors might be orchestrating migration crises as a form of hybrid warfare. He posited that such deliberate instrumentalization of migration could be used to test the EU's resilience, undermine its cohesion, and extract political concessions. "Recent events at Europe’s borders, most notably in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, are the latest reminder that migration is no longer just a humanitarian issue or management challenge," Mitsotakis wrote, adding, "In some cases, it has become a tool of geopolitical coercion."
Officials in Ceuta attributed blame to Morocco, suggesting the country had at least encouraged or permitted the breach of the enclave. A further summit of EU home affairs and justice ministers is scheduled to address these issues.