Greece asks EU to pause asylum claims during sudden migration spikes

Greece submitted a proposal to EU interior ministers calling for a temporary suspension of asylum applications whenever a mass migration event overwhelms existing procedures. The suggestion was presented at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg and appears to have found backing from several countries, including the Netherlands. It was prompted by the recent surge in Ceuta, where Spain estimates more than 72,000 migrants arrived in late July, with roughly 10,000 still present.

Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris argued that enhanced border surveillance and a pause on asylum are necessary in such crises, while Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said the situation should be handled as a border issue. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stressed that any action must respect international law, and the council also approved a new regulation permitting return hubs outside the EU. Discussions continue on locating a host country for such facilities, with the Group of Five aiming to decide by year-end.