Greece

What changed

The European Union Council of Interior and Migration Ministers has given broad support to Greece's initiative to make a European Emergency Mechanism a formal part of the system. This mechanism is designed to handle what's called 'instrumentalised migratory pressure' at the EU's external borders. This means when migrant flows are used as a form of 'hybrid threat'. If activated, which would be triggered by clear conditions like a rapid increase in arrivals and local facilities becoming overwhelmed, it would allow for asylum applications to be temporarily paused, quicker return procedures to be used, and direct operational help from Frontex. The goal is to strengthen both the practical and legal protection for member states facing these challenges.

What changed

Greece has agreed with Denmark, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands on a shared plan. This plan is for setting up Return Hubs in safe third countries. These hubs are for migrants who do not have a legal right to stay in Europe. Ministers from these five countries, called the Core Group, agreed to this plan in Copenhagen on 4 September 2026. Greece's Minister of Migration and Asylum was at the meeting. This plan changes European migration policy from general talks to a real, workable strategy. It will manage the return of people who do not have a right to international protection. The plan will always follow the law, including the upcoming European Returns Regulation. This regulation is expected in autumn 2026.

What changed

Greece has stopped giving all help to people whose applications for international protection have been finally rejected by the Appeals Authority. An application for international protection is when someone asks a country to protect them because they fear harm in their home country. The Appeals Authority is the body that makes the final decision on these applications. After this, their stay in Greece is illegal. This means they risk immediate arrest and being held in a pre-removal centre for up to 18 months. A pre-removal centre is a place where people are held before they are made to leave the country. They will then be made to leave, which is called expulsion. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) offers an Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme. This programme helps people go back to their home country safely and provides support to start a new life there. This is a safe choice for them.