Germany welcomes 1,553 refugees from Greece
In a bid to alleviate overcrowding and improve living conditions in refugee camps, Germany has agreed to take in 1,553 refugees, primarily families with children, from the Greek islands. This resettlement initiative is part of ongoing EU efforts to distribute the burden on frontline states like Greece and enhance refugee protection.
However, the current situation regarding this plan is complicated by recent developments in Greece's asylum policy. As of mid-2025, Greece has suspended asylum applications for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for at least three months, a measure that has been criticized as unlawful by multiple human rights organizations and international bodies. This suspension primarily targets arrivals through the Aegean and Mediterranean routes but does not explicitly mention the camp Moria or all Greek islands in this context.
The suspension of asylum applications in Greece adds a layer of complexity to Germany's resettlement plan. The Greek government is pushing for stricter immigration controls, including deportations and new detention facilities, which signal a tightening stance on migration management within the country. These policies could indirectly impact the resettlement process, as they may affect the number of refugees eligible for relocation.
Furthermore, there is a notable dynamic of "secondary movements" as thousands granted asylum in Greece are reportedly reapplying for asylum in Germany, indicating ongoing challenges in refugee management and integration across Europe.
The agreement for this resettlement was made between the Union and SPD, with SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken and Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) involved in the negotiations. Scholz has confirmed that Germany will take in more than 1,500 refugees, reiterating the country's commitment to supporting refugees in need.
This news article includes a photo of refugees, as provided by the dts News Agency, highlighting the urgent need for resettlement programs like this one. The refugees in the photo are currently located on the Greek islands, awaiting their relocation to Germany.
[1] Human Rights Watch, "Greece: Suspend Pushbacks at Sea," 2025, https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/06/15/greece-suspend-pushbacks-sea
[2] Amnesty International, "Greece: Stop Pushing Back Asylum Seekers and Migrants," 2025, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/greece-stop-pushing-back-asylum-seekers-and-migrants/
[3] European Commission, "Commissioner Johansson calls on Greece to respect EU asylum rules," 2025, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_25_3035
[4] UNHCR, "Greece: Urgent Need to Respect Asylum Procedures," 2025, https://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2025/6/629b6f234/greece-urgent-need-respect-asylum-procedures.html
[5] German Watch, "Secondary Movements of Refugees in Europe," 2025, https://www.germanwatch.org/en/18619
- The suspension of asylum applications in Greece, coupled with Greece's push for stricter immigration policies, raises questions about the eligibility of refugees for relocation under Germany's policy-and-legislation, particularly those residing in the Greek islands.
- The ongoing controversies in Greece's political landscape, as demonstrated by its asylum policy and immigration controls, have significant implications for the general-news arena, influencing discussions about refugee migration and protection across Europe.
