EU Considers Asylum Restrictions Amid Migrant Crisis

The European Commission has announced that EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus may temporarily limit the right to asylum under strict conditions, in response to what it describes as hybrid threats involving the manipulation of migrants by these countries. Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen emphasized that any such measures must be truly exceptional, temporary, and proportionate, compliant with both international and EU law. The announcement comes amid a significant increase in illegal crossings at the EU’s eastern borders, particularly from Belarus into Poland and Lithuania, with a reported 66% rise in migrant attempts this year. Poland has already indicated plans to suspend asylum rights at its borders, raising concerns about the legality and humanitarian implications of such actions. The Commission has allocated €170 million to enhance border surveillance and security measures in affected countries, aiming to counter the perceived destabilization efforts by Russia and Belarus. Critics, including human rights organizations, warn that these measures could lead to increased pushbacks and violations of asylum seekers' rights.