LIBE committee discusses the obligations of the European Union in Search and Rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea
4 Oct 2019

LIBE committee discusses the obligations of the European Union in Search and Rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea

by | posted in: Dublin Regulation, EEPA news and activities, European Commission, European Parliament, European Union, Frontex, LIBE, Libya, Mediterranean Sea, Migration, Refugees in the EU, Relocation system, Sea-Watch | 0

In the light of last week’s agreement on a new, temporary relocation system, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) in the European Parliament organised a hearing on October 3rd on the topic of ‘Search and Rescue in the Mediterranean Sea’. The debate touched upon core issues of the EU’s obligation, both legally and morally, to rescue people at sea. The debate precedes a renewed member state discussion about refugee relocation on 8 October.

Five EU member states agree on new temporary relocation scheme to share responsibility of migrants and refugees rescued at Sea
27 Sep 2019

Five EU member states agree on new temporary relocation scheme to share responsibility of migrants and refugees rescued at Sea

by | posted in: Asylum Seekers, Detention, Dublin Regulation, EEPA news and activities, European Commission, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Mediterranean Sea, Migration, Refugees in the EU, Relocation system | 0

On September 23, the interior ministers of Germany, France, Italy, Finland and Malta agreed on a temporary and voluntary scheme to divide migrants that arrive or are saved from the Mediterranean Sea among the five countries, outside of an EU framework. The proposal aims at relieving Italy and Malta from the high number of migrants and refugees that are arriving at their ports and moves away from the actions of the previous Italian government led by Matteo Salvini, who forbade several rescue boats to dock in Italy. The five countries hope that the scheme may set up an EU-wide relocation scheme that can increase the efficiency of resettling those rescued at sea.

Political instability in Greece intensifies, while refugees and migrants on Greek islands suffer
18 Sep 2019

Political instability in Greece intensifies, while refugees and migrants on Greek islands suffer

by | posted in: Asylum Seekers, Doctors without Borders, European Union, Migration, Refugee Camps, Refugees in the EU, Syria, Turkey, UNHCR, United Nations | 0

Over the summer, Greece has seen an increase in refugees arriving at the shores of Greek Islands. 7,000 people have arrived at the Greek Islands in August alone, bringing the number of refugees and migrants on the islands up to 24,000 people. However, the amount of people coming to Greece might further intensify, as the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced plans of sending refugees to Europe. The situation is expected to be considered at the United Nations General Assembly from September 17 until September 30.