Greece has called on the European Union to allow member states to temporarily suspend asylum applications during periods of mass migration, arguing that existing rules are inadequate for large-scale emergencies.
Greek Migration Minister, Thanos Plevris, made the proposal at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Luxembourg, citing the recent surge in arrivals in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta.
The proposal received support from Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink, who said mass arrivals should be treated primarily as a border management issue.
Spain estimates that more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July, with about 10,000 still there despite most having returned.
The EU Migration Commissioner, Magnus Brunner, said any new measures must comply with international law and fundamental rights.
EU ministers also approved new rules allowing member states to establish return hubs outside the bloc, with several countries exploring potential arrangements for such facilities.
