MPG’s Carmine Conte interviewed by Voice of America and The World on lack of safe and legal pathways
“A lack of safe and legal pathways to Europe and restrictive policies by Greece and Italy are forcing people seeking asylum to take risky journeys, like the Balkan route, to reach Europe” says Carmine in his interview with Voice of America.
Asked by The World to comment on NGOs rescuing people crossing the Mediterranean being criminalised by the Italian and Greek governments, Carmine states “their only crime is saving lives”.
Both pieces conclude that restrictive policies by Greece and Italy, aimed at deterring people seeking asylum, do not work. And that by openly challenging international law they endanger lives and put pressure on the EU.
Responding to the latest EU Council decision calling on the Commission to “mobilise substantial EU funds and means to support Member States in reinforcing border protection” Carmine argues that this risks undermining the fundamental rights of people who seek to claim asylum in the EU. “Instead, EU migration policy should aim to promote safe and legal pathways to Europe and seek to strengthen solidarity among Member States in handling asylum requests.”
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.