The European Commission has again reminded member states of their obligations with regard to relocations. The emergency migrant relocation system for those benefiting from protection in the European Union was set up in autumn 2015 and theoretically ends next September.
Its new progress report published on Tuesday 2 March highlighted the fact that Greece remains subject to intense migratory pressure, with 62,300 migrants present on its territory. The most recent relocation figures are not encouraging: out of 106,000 people eligible for relocation over a two year period, only 13,546 had been relocated from Greece (9,610) and Italy (3,936).
The Commission is aware that the current pace will prevent the commitments being respected by September, although it had explained in writing that this objective was perfectly feasible. The report indicates, “until now, only two member states (Malta and Finland) are on track for meeting their obligations with regard to Italy and Greece, whereas certain countries (Hungary, Austria and Poland) are still refusing to participate in the programme and others (Czech Republic, Croatia and Slovakia) are only taking part in it to a very limited extent”
Asked about possible action, the European Commissioner for migration, Dimitris Avramopoulos, explained that infringement procedures had so far not been an option but “they could become so”, particularly at the end of the process. He added that if member states do not step up relocation soon, the Commission, “will not hesitate to use the powers conferred upon it in the treaties”.
The European Commission also highlighted the fact that the legal obligation of relocating eligible migrants will not end in September.
Resettlement. With regard to the resettlement of refugees from the EU to third countries, the situation is slightly better. Member states have provided safe and legal entry points to 14,422 people so far and this figure corresponds to more than half of the 22,504 resettlements agreed as part of the EU resettlement programme. This number includes the resettlement of 3,565 Syrians as part of the application of the EU/Turkey agreement for managing the migration crisis in March 2016 (see EUROPE 11515). (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)