In the first quarter of 2025, the Mediterranean routes to the EU witnessed a marked decline in irregular border crossings, following a similar trend from 2024. Preliminary data from Frontex indicated a 29% reduction in crossings on the Eastern Mediterranean route, with decreases also noted for the Central and Western routes. Alarmingly, the number of deaths and missing individuals reported in the Mediterranean dropped significantly by 35% during this period, from 595 to 385.
Greece has recently reclassified Türkiye as a “safe third country” for asylum seekers from several nations, allowing the rejection of asylum applications from individuals entering Greece from Türkiye. This controversial move follows a recent ruling by the Greek Council of State that annulled a similar designation, prompting criticism from organisations like the Greek Council for Refugees, which deemed the decision a dangerous political stunt that undermines legal principles. They intend to pursue judicial measures against this new ruling.
Frontex is currently investigating allegations of pushbacks by Greece, with twelve cases under scrutiny. These include incidents reported at borders, with details remaining scarce. Frontex underscored the importance of implementing recommendations to avoid funding reductions, focusing on prioritising fundamental rights in these discussions. The agency’s director expressed frustration with the lack of progress in addressing human rights concerns during his tenure.
In a separate development, three individuals previously convicted in connection with the 2020 Moria refugee camp fire have been acquitted on appeal. Initially sentenced under the assumption they were adults, a juvenile court later determined insufficient evidence for their involvement. Their lawyer highlighted the grave misapplication of justice based on fear and political pressure.
Furthermore, Italy has relocated 40 rejected asylum seekers to repurposed facilities in Albania, the first move of its kind under recent legislation. Legal experts have raised concerns about the implications of relocating individuals to a country that is neither their origin nor a transit nation, calling this approach a violation of rights, especially noting the alarming use of handcuffs during the transfer.
Lastly, Malta’s Minister for Foreign Affairs announced the country will not pursue reforms of human rights conventions during its impending presidency of the Council of Europe. This apparent departure from Prime Minister Robert Abela’s previously stated intentions marks a significant shift in Malta’s priorities regarding human rights during its leadership in the CoE, with advocacy groups welcoming the clarification for strengthening human rights instead.
The Mediterranean crossing statistics for early 2025 show a significant decline in irregular entries, continuing from 2024 trends. Greece has controversially reclassified Türkiye as a safe zone for asylum seekers, drawing criticism from human rights advocates. Frontex is investigating multiple human rights claims regarding Greece, and legal challenges arise over the relocation of rejected asylum seekers in Italy to Albania. Malta also announced it will not pursue human rights reforms during its presidency of the CoE.
The first quarter of 2025 sees a continued decline in irregular Mediterranean crossings, yielding both progress and concerns regarding asylum policies in the EU. Greece’s controversial designation of Türkiye as a safe third country raises alarm bells about the legality of such decisions. Investigations into human rights violations and relocations of rejected asylum seekers further complicate the landscape, while Malta’s withdrawal from human rights convention reforms prompts scrutiny. The intricate interplay of asylum law, human rights, and political manoeuvring continues to unfold across the Mediterranean region.
Original Source: ecre.org
