A sign reads ‘Federal Republic of Germany’ at the German border town of Koepchen at the border to Belgium, on September 16, as Germany begins carrying out checks at all its land borders. [Martin Meissner/AP]
Austrian analyst Gerald Knaus emphasizes the importance of Greece and other countries advocating for changes in the EU’s refugee legislation. He suggests a proposal for safe third countries to handle asylum seekers, drawing on the 2016 EU-Turkey agreement.
Knaus critiques the German opposition’s call for immediate returns at the border, highlighting the complexities and impracticalities of such measures. He warns of the rising pressure on governments and the implications for EU cohesion in addressing migration challenges.
The need for cooperative solutions with Turkey and other key countries is stressed, emphasizing the fragile nature of the EU’s current migration pact. Knaus cautions against ineffective border policies and detention centers as the ultimate solution, fearing a potential existential crisis for the EU.