Tag: Ursula von der Leyen
-
Von der Leyen on ‘weaponisation of migration’: From now on, refoulement of refugees is allowed
The EU Commission has published a communication according to which states are authorised to pushback refugees to Russia and Belarus if they ‘use migration as a weapon’. This opens the floodgates for even more human rights violations. On Wednesday, the…
-
EU migration deal with Cairo: Military in Egypt also receives money for border surveillance
Following Tunisia’s example, the EU Commission wants a “partnership against migrant smuggling” with Egypt. The Gaza war might has given urgency to these plans. The EU Commission wants to agree an “operational partnership to combat migrant smuggling” with the government…
-
EU Commission gifts Egypt patrol boats to become a gatekeeper for migration, following Tunisian model
The EU Commission wants to conclude a migration defense agreement with Egypt and is upgrading the country’s land and sea borders. However, hardly any refugee boats leave from Egyptian shores for Europe. The government in Cairo is to receive two…
-
“Criminals” in Libyan Coast Guard: EU-funded patrol vessel fires during rescue mission
The EU Commission President praises Libya as a “partner country”, the Migration Commissioner speaks for the first time of “criminals” in the coast guard, who according to reports are involved in smuggling. On Friday afternoon, the Libyan coast guard made…
-
A letter from hell: EU Commission President outlines new border surveillance for North Africa
The EU is paying hundreds of millions of euros this year to “partner countries” Libya, Egypt and Tunisia for border surveillance. The announcement came just days after the shipwreck off Pylos. Since December 1, 2019, former German Defense Minister Ursula…
-
Demands from EU member states: Greece to upgrade borders with helicopters, drones, police dogs
Following a review by other Schengen states, the Greek government is improving surveillance and control of its external borders, funded by EU funds. This could encourage pushbacks in violation of international law. European Union member states are likely to oblige…