Migration

Dozens missing after migrant boat sinks off Canary Islands, nine dead

Hopes of finding any of the 48 migrants missing since their boat sank near the Spanish island of El Hierro are diminishing, authorities said, in what threatens to be the deadliest such incident in 30 years of crossings from Africa to the Canary Islands.

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Poll: Support swells for Sweden’s extreme right

Though the number of refugees arriving in Sweden has dropped by 60% since tougher asylum policies were adopted in November, the far-right Sweden Democrats are receiving unpecedented levels of support, according to a new poll.

EU border force plan faces resistance

A proposal to give the European Union executive the power to send forces unbidden into member states to defend the common European frontier will face resistance from some countries when it is published this week.

Swiss edge toward possible ‘Swexit’ from EU bilateral pacts

Switzerland threatened yesterday (4 December) to impose unilateral curbs on immigration should it fail to agree with the European Union on limiting the influx into a country where nearly a quarter of the population is foreign.

Thailand attempts to stem Rohingya exodus

Myanmar and Bangladesh face renewed pressure to tackle "the root causes" of an annual migration crisis after Thailand today (26 November) announced a regional summit ahead of the new sailing season.

Euro at risk if Schengen collapses, says Juncker

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday (25 November) Europe's single currency will be at risk if the Schengen passport-free travel zone unravels due to member states reimposing border controls to keep refugees out.

Migrant workers in Irish fishing industry to get permits and minimum wage

Ireland will issue up to 500 work permits for migrants employed in its fishing industry who are from outside the European Economic Area, and ensure they are paid the minimum wage, the government said after an enquiry prompted by the Guardian.

Artful wording to allow Germany to impose a limit on refugee numbers

The use of language when discussing refugee policy in Germany has taken on a new dimension, as the government discusses "refugee quotas" within the context of a deal with Turkey. EURACTIV's partner Tagesspiegel reports.

Turkey calls on the EU to envisage ‘a new beginning’

An official close to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu told EURACTIV that the summit between Turkey and the EU expected by the end of this month could be “a new beginning” in the relations.

EU’s migration cash for Africa falls short

The European Union’s efforts to stem the flow of refugees from Africa was undermined today (12 November) by member states who failed to match EU money for a €1.8 billion trust fund to the tune of €1.72 billion, raising just €78 million.

EU seeks deal with Africa to stem migrant flows

EU leaders hope Thursday (12 November) to clinch an aid-for-cooperation deal with their African partners to tackle an unprecedented migration crisis and rebuff fears a "fortress" Europe is emerging.

Parliament leaders sign joint refugee letter ahead of Valletta summit

The heads of three political groups in the European Parliament sent a joint letter yesterday (9 November) to the 28 EU leaders urging them to back the European Commission’s proposals on refugees. EURACTIV Greece reports.

Germany’s Schäuble and Weidmann on collision course over migrants

Germany needs to send a message to the world that it is reaching the limit of its capacity to help Europe's flood of migrants, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Sunday - while the head of the Bundesbank said the country can handle the costs of the refugee crisis without risking its balanced budget.

Avramopoulos: Without Turkey’s help, refugee crisis will worsen

If Ankara does not join Europe’s efforts to tackle the refugee crisis the situation will deteriorate, European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos, has warned.

Schulz: Special flexibility, but no ‘blank cheque’ for Greece

Martin Schulz left the door open on Thursday (5 November) for Greece to be granted fiscal flexibility due to the refugee crisis. EURACTIV Greece reports.

Tsipras under pressure to tear down Turkish border fence

The Greek government is facing increasing pressure to take down a fence along its land border with Turkey, and stop refugees from making the deadly journey to Europe via the Mediterranean. EURACTIV Greece reports.

Record 218,000 people crossed Mediterranean in October, UN says

More than 218,000 people made the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe in October – a monthly record and nearly the same number as in the whole of last year, according to the UN.

Orbán warns of ‘democracy crisis’ in Europe over refugee quotas

The quota system for distributing asylum seekers was decided without respect for public opinion, and this could cause a "democracy crisis" in Europe, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Friday (30 October).

Bavarian allies heap pressure on Merkel over refugees

German Chancellor Angela Merkel came under intense pressure for her handling of the refugee crisis on Wednesday (28 October), with her Bavarian allies warning of a coalition crisis unless she limits a record influx of migrants.

Refugee crisis puts Sweden’s prime minister under pressure

A surge in the number of refugees arriving in Sweden over the past few years has led the conservative Moderates, the country's biggest opposition party, to toughen its stance on immigration.

Austrian public divided on issue of asylum

The influx of refugees has eased slightly, but continues unabated. Austria is now considering closing its borders. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Merkel says ready to support Turkey EU accession process

Germany is ready to help drive forward Turkey's European Union accession process, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday (18 October), extending support to Ankara in exchange for Turkish help in stemming the flow of refugees to Europe.