Greece calls for EU solidarity as German border policy tightens
The German newspaper Tageszeitung writes that the war in Lebanon could lead to a larger number of refugees entering the EU. The newspaper draws attention to Greek politicians' statements, which refer to the German announcements regarding asylum policy.
Following Germany's announcement of a tightening of its asylum policy, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis demands greater support for European Union countries at the external borders.
Meanwhile, Greek Minister for Migration Nikos Panagiotopoulos demands pushbacks, an illegal practice that involves turning back migrants seeking protection, writes the German newspaper "Tageszeitung" ("TAZ").
If Germany, then why not Greece?
As reported by the newspaper, Panagiotopoulos criticised in one of his television interviews the lack of unity in European migration policy and Germany's "hermetically sealing" of all its borders.
If Germany does this, why can't we do the same, sending migrants back and protecting our own borders? asked the Greek minister. He added that if each government does what it wants, it puts Greece to the test, also in terms of cohesion in the EU.
Illegal turning back of migrants
Greece's borders run at sea, and to reduce the influx of refugees, illegal methods must be used—pushbacks, which involve not allowing migrants to apply for asylum at all, an often dangerous practice, explains "TAZ." Panagiotopoulos is a ruling conservative ND party member and advocates a hard-line approach on refugee and migration policy issues.
