Filenews 3 October 2021 - by Xenia Tyrki
The 2015 migration crisis was a turning point for the European Union. Its management left deep wounds and injured the block that failed to show the right reflexes and, most importantly, a unified posture. There have been many reactions mainly from Member States that have received huge migratory flows, far beyond their capabilities, at the same time that others have only been wagging their fingers, refusing to cooperate.
Today, the EU is attempting a new start in migration management and that is why the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, is making contacts with member states in an effort to formulate a new Migration and Asylum Pact, which will better manage refugee and migrant flows. In this context, last Tuesday he paid a visit to Cyprus during which he had contacts with the Minister of Interior Nikos Nouris and other officials and visited the Pournaras reception centre.
In her interview with Phileleftheros, the European official explained how important it is to agree and, most importantly, to start applying the new Migration and Asylum Pact, since this will give the EU a single voice in dealing with such a serious issue. He explained that member states must understand each other's needs and that they must show solidarity when needed. That is why the gap, when there is no willingness to do so, needs to be filled by the appropriate legal framework, which will ensure that no Member State bears a greater burden than its fair share.
Ylva Johansson also referred to the many challenges facing our country and acknowledged that the migratory flows recorded are beyond the capabilities of Cyprus. She said that the problem with Cyprus is that the Green Line is not a border, so the rules that apply in such cases cannot be applied. However, she stressed that Frontex is present in Cyprus and is doing a good job and that if more help is requested it will have it.
The European Union, Ylva Johansson pointed out, seems to have learned from the mistakes of the past and especially from the crisis of 2015. It is on alert for what will happen in Afghanistan and makes sure that it is not caught again by chance. She said by helping the country not to collapse and by providing humanitarian aid, as well as by cooperating with Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, the EU hopes it will not again see hordes of desperate people dripping outside its borders.
-How do you assess the way in which the European Union is addressing the refugee issue?
-Well, we have learned the lessons from the crisis of 2015 and now we are much better prepared. We can manage arrivals better, which are of course fewer. But much more needs to be done, and that is why the new Pact on Immigration and Asylum is so necessary. At the same time we have seen that there are reactions from various Member States that are not willing to agree on a common immigration policy and that is why the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has given me the task of unlocking the process and presenting a balanced approach, which will be the ground for compromise between the Member States and Parliament. I believe that we will succeed. No one is 100% satisfied, but all member states are ready to work together.
-You seem optimistic that there will eventually be an agreement on the new Pact.
-Yes, I am optimistic that we will succeed. In some areas we seem to be doing a little better and in others we are lagging behind. One of them is solidarity for the Member States under the greatest pressure, another is returns to the countries of origin and another is to confirm that there are appropriate registration systems at the borders, so that those who arrive there are the right treatment and protection.
-How do you intend to persuade member states to show more solidarity when several of them have strong reactions to the arrivals of migrants and refugees, while at the same time there is a rise in xenophobia?
-I would say that there is a strong will among the member states to show solidarity. What I hear is that there is a need for a legal framework for solidarity. We are not so willing to show solidarity, nor to agree to voluntary relocation. And I think that's what we're facing now. That is why member states are calling for the adoption of a legal framework through the new Pact, which will make relocation mandatory. The desire for voluntary solidarity is not so strong, but there is a strong will for a legal framework.
-However, the rules in force so far do not ensure the fair distribution of refugees and migrants among the member states, with the result that those on the front line, such as Cyprus, bear a disproportionate burden. How does the European Union intend to act to resolve this issue?
-This is an important part of my role. When a Member State is under pressure from a large number of asylum seekers, the mechanism of compulsory solidarity and relocation must be activated. Cyprus is clearly one of these member states. It is necessary for a small island to have this legal framework. It is also important to see that other Member States are under pressure, even if they are not at the forefront, such as those that receive applications for asylum at a second level. For example, the EU is currently under pressure on its eastern border, with arrivals of migrants from Belarus to Lithuania having multiplied in recent times. Member States must realise that they need each other when faced with different challenges and that this requires solidarity and a common approach.
-When do you think that the new Migration and Asylum Pact will be ready to be implemented?
-I really don't know and I don't dare to guess. It will take some time because it is a difficult issue. The good thing is that the Member States have not rejected it and that there is a will and a willingness to cooperate and implement it.
-And until it is implemented? What happens if there is a new crisis?
-This is a crucial question. The last meeting of the European Council recorded a strong majority of the member states who stressed that now is the time to sit down and negotiate a new Pact, as we do not know when a new migration crisis will arise and how.
-Perhaps more needs to be done to make one member state aware of the needs and wants of another.
-Exactly. As I have said in the Council, one Member State must put itself in the shoes of another and see the situation in the light of the other.
-Which solidarity mechanisms will be applied in the event of crises? And how do these mechanisms concern Cyprus?
-In my proposals there is specifically a provision for quick solidarity that will include relocations and other relief measures. For countries such as Cyprus, relocation is a very important issue, as well as what I call "subsidized returns", which will ensure that those who do not have the right to get asylum status will be effectively returned to their countries of origin.
-As far as Cyprus is concerned, however, there are large flows from Turkey, a country that does not even recognise the Republic of Cyprus. How will he be persuaded to accept the return of people?
-It's something very difficult of course. The return must be made to their countries of origin and this is something that can be done.
-What role is Cyprus playing in the new Migration and Asylum Pact?
-The most important thing is to ensure that we have a European asylum system. And that means having the proper screening procedures for people entering irregularly, proper registration and proper procedures for returning those who are not entitled to a stay and do not receive international protection. I have to say that Cyprus is taking many steps in the right direction but at the same time it needs to improve and speed up the procedures.
-How does Brussels intend to strengthen the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus to safeguard its borders, which are also the borders of the European Union itself?
-Well, the problem is not so much the borders as the Green Line which is not exactly a border. And that is exactly what creates the problems, because we cannot implement border protection measures, since it is not a border. That is why I am willing to hear proposals from the Cypriot Government on what exactly needs to be done.
Frontex is here
-Could there perhaps be more help from Frontex?
-Frontex is already here and provides its services in the process of registering and managing migrants. Of course all Member States are entitled to request more assistance from Frontex if they need it and the same applies to Cyprus. Requests are evaluated and appropriate answers are available.
Support for Afghans in their country, as well as for neighbouring countries
-The occupation of Afghanistan made it clear that the EU does not have a single refugee response programme. It seems to depend on Afghanistan's neighbours to deal with a new refugee crisis. But how will it react if thousands of Afghans head to its borders?
-The crisis in Afghanistan is one of our priorities and I am already working on it. The situation is very dangerous and at the same time very unpredictable and we must prepare for possible scenarios that may arise. Having said that though, I would like to add that we have a golden opportunity to avoid a new refugee crisis. If we compare the situation with 2015, the EU was slow then to realise the situation and take action, and we have reached the situation where thousands of Syrians were outside its borders. But the war in Syria began in 2011. The first important step is to support the Afghans within Afghanistan itself. We must avoid the country collapsing, as well as the humanitarian crisis getting worse.
We must channel money to the people of Afghanistan through the United Nations organisations so that they can remain in their country. So far we have not seen large flows. At the same time, support will also be needed by the millions of Afghans in neighbouring countries. Some of them belong to minorities who are at risk and must be given due care. Finally, we must also look at those who are being persecuted and who urgently need to leave the country and arrange for their relocation through the UN to other countries. This is an issue that we will be discussing at EU level with other countries, such as the US and Canada, next week. In other words, how are we going to help the Afghans by looking at the various needs that exist?
-As you have said, Lithuania is currently receiving large flows through Belarus. Are you concerned that the borders between the two countries will develop into a new gateway for uncontrolled entry into the EU?
-I must say that what we are seeing happening in Belarus is not exactly a migration crisis, but a desperate attempt by the country's President, Alexander Lukashenko, who is under pressure because of the sanctions imposed on his country by the European Union. He is isolated and is desperately trying to destabilise the EU by inviting people and actually pushing them onto European soil. So far we have reacted strongly against Lukashenko and we will remain calm towards him. We are cooperating flawlessly with Iraq, which has suspended all flights to Belarus.
I heard no complaints from immigrants
-During your visit to Cyprus you visited the Pournara Reception and Hospitality Center. What are your impressions?
-It is a fact that it is overloaded and I noticed that there are shortages in sanitary living conditions, for example more bathrooms are needed. There are several that need to be improved. At the same time, however, it struck me positively that there is a positive spirit and good cooperation between the Cypriot authorities, the workers of the United Nations and the European Union, humanitarian organisations and the people who live there. I spoke to immigrants and I did not hear any complaints from them.
