The study is available in German, English and Greek. The study, which I commissioned from Borderline Europe, analyzes the criminalization of refugees as suspected smugglers in Greece. Court proceedings last on average 37 minutes, with an average prison sentence of 46 years. Most people are convicted based on the testimony of one person …
What was important this week
At the end of the week, I will give you an overview of my work and the currently important debates and topics in the European Parliament. Calendar week 15 and plenary week in Strasbourg (week 16) What's next for CEAS? Discussion in the Committee on Home Affairs Last week, the representative of the European Commission presented the Commission's plans for implementing …
News from the Borders
Border-News is also available directly on your cell phone: Click here for the Telegram channel. Here I will keep you informed on a daily basis about everything that is happening in European asylum and migration policy and at the external borders. News from the Borders 25.04.2024 News from the Borders 24.04.2024 News from the Borders 22.04.2024 News from the Borders 19.04.2024 News from the Borders …
Why crime statistics are not suitable for political discussions
The crime statistics for 2023 are currently being misused for populist propaganda against migrants and refugees. According to the PKS, the number of foreign suspects has risen. The CDU and CSU are therefore once again calling for immigration to be limited. Around 5.94 million crimes were registered in Germany last year. This corresponds to an increase of 5.5 percent in …
Briefing: Reform of the Schengen Borders Code
What is it about? The Schengen Borders Code regulates entry conditions and border controls at the EU's external and internal borders. It deals, for example, with the question of the conditions under which internal border controls are possible. The Borders Code is an important instrument for ensuring freedom of movement in Europe; however, member states often do not adhere to the code. For example, …
Syria: The current humanitarian situation and possible EU action
Syria has been at war for 13 years. In 2011, the Syrian revolution was violently crushed by dictator Bashar al-Assad as part of the Arab Spring. Iran and Russia support the Assad regime, which is internationally ostracized for brutal human rights violations. Half a million people have already been killed, 13 million people have been displaced – more than the …
Parliament criticizes funds for Tunisian autocrats
In a resolution of the European Parliament, we MEPs have criticized the release of funds to the Tunisian government. You can find my speech in plenary here. The EPP and Renew Europe groups, as well as the ECR and ID groups, opposed the resolution. The motion from our group to discuss the resolution had …
European Parliament strengthens protection of the press
In one of the last sessions of the European Parliament before the European elections, we adopted the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). We Greens have long campaigned for a robust European law that guarantees the independence of public media and national regulators and ensures a fair distribution of state resources. The law …
The world's first AI law: why it must protect people on the run in particular
Agreement on the first law to regulate artificial intelligence As part of its digital strategy, the European Commission has proposed a legal act to regulate artificial intelligence (AI Act) in order to ensure better conditions for the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe and to prevent risks. The aim of the legislators was to maximize the benefits …
Devastating Frontex report: Commission of inquiry into sea rescue must come
Following the Pylos shipwreck with over 600 fatalities off the Greek coast, the European Ombudswoman Emily O’Reilly launched an investigation. Due to her mandate, she focused on the role of Frontex. The report she has now presented shows that Frontex is not fulfilling its own European and human rights requirements. This is due, for example, to the fact that …
Reform of work and residence permits
An agreement was reached in January at the final trilogue on the recast of the Single Permit Directive. What is the directive about? Every year, around 3 to 3.5 million third-country nationals come to the EU, mainly for professional reasons. They work in EU countries, pay taxes and contribute to their mobility …