Brief

Greece urges EU to pause asylum applications amid Ceuta migration surge

Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris asked EU interior ministers to allow a short‑term halt to asylum processing during mass‑migration emergencies.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:52:05 GMT

Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris told reporters on 2 October that the European Union should permit member states to temporarily suspend asylum applications when faced with large‑scale migration spikes, such as the recent influx into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta.

The proposal was presented at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, where several ministers appeared supportive. Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink echoed the view, describing mass arrivals in Ceuta as a “border management issue rather than an asylum issue”.

Spain estimates that more than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July; most have returned, but around 10,000 remain, fueling calls for tougher measures. Plevris said the EU migration pact, effective since June, has improved management but lacks tools for emergencies, urging enhanced border surveillance and a suspension of asylum in such cases.

Irregular arrivals across the bloc are down 35 percent this year, while returns have risen about 8 percent, reflecting a broader shift toward stricter border controls since the 2015 refugee wave.

Key facts

Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris proposed a temporary suspension of asylum applications during mass‑migration emergencies. (aljazeera.com)
The proposal was submitted at the EU interior ministers meeting in Luxembourg on 2 October. (aljazeera.com)
Spain estimates over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July, with about 10,000 still present. (aljazeera.com)
Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink supported treating such surges as border‑management issues. (aljazeera.com)
EU irregular arrivals are down 35 percent this year, while returns have risen roughly 8 percent. (aljazeera.com)