The European Pact on Migration and Asylum faces criticism for restricting rights, prolonged detention, and external removal centers across member states.
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The discussion regarding the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum is beginning in Greece, two years after its deadline, with a new law establishing border control procedures. These procedures involve identification and medical checks for arrivals within seven days, followed by an asylum application process at the border that can last up to 12 weeks while individuals are held in detention centers, legally considered not to have entered Greek territory. Asylum rejection leads to removal proceedings from the borders within 12 weeks, with potential deportation to non-EU return centers. This border procedure applies to nationals from countries with an asylum recognition rate below 20%, excluding certain vulnerable cases like minors. Critics argue that the Pact reflects the interests of member states wishing to avoid responsibility for reception and asylum procedures by offering financial contributions instead. Human rights groups across Europe criticize the pact’s restrictive measures, prolonged detention, potential deportations outside the EU, and mass arrests. Specific concerns were raised about Greece implementing the most restrictive provisions, failing to establish independent oversight, and other countries like Austria (detention up to 26 weeks in airport containers), France (concerns over rights violations and extended detention capacity), Lithuania (mandatory reception of 58 asylum seekers and payment of €1.14 million by 2027), and Spain (opposition to external return centers). In addition, the text notes that Austria’s new law allows for prolonged detention in airport containers, and EU rules allow member states to reduce benefits for non-cooperative asylum seekers.
