The European Union (EU) continues to grapple with the complexities of migration, as member states face mounting challenges in managing refugee flows. Recent tensions between Greece and Germany have highlighted the fragility of EU solidarity, raising critical questions about the implementation of asylum policies and the equitable distribution of responsibilities among member states.
Are European Countries at Odds Over Refugees?
Yes, significant divisions exist among EU member states regarding refugee management. The core of the disagreement lies in the principle of burden-sharing, which mandates that asylum seekers should be distributed fairly across member states. However, countries like Hungary and Poland have consistently opposed mandatory quotas, leading to a fragmented approach to asylum policies.
The EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum, introduced to address these issues, aims to create a more cohesive framework. Yet, its implementation has been hampered by political disagreements and varying national interests.
Athens & Germany:
Greece’s refusal to accept the return of refugees who initially applied for asylum there and later moved to Germany contravenes the Dublin Regulation. This EU law stipulates that the country where an asylum seeker first enters the EU is responsible for processing their application.
Greek Migration Minister Makis Voridis stated that Greece would not accept such returns without a fair distribution of responsibilities within the EU. This stance challenges the legal framework established by the Dublin Regulation and underscores the ongoing tensions between national interests and EU obligations.
How Serious Is the Refugee Problem in Europe?
The refugee situation in Europe remains a pressing concern. In 2024, the EU, along with Norway and Switzerland, received over 1 million asylum applications, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year . Germany was the primary destination, with 237,000 applications, followed by Spain, Italy, and France.
Despite the decrease in applications, the EU faces a backlog of nearly 1 million pending cases, reminiscent of the 2016 refugee crisis levels. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to the displacement of millions, further straining the EU’s capacity to manage refugee flows.
EU’s Policy:
The EU’s approach to asylum and migration is governed by the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which aims to harmonize asylum procedures and ensure fair treatment of asylum seekers across member states. However, the system has faced criticism for its uneven implementation and lack of solidarity among member states .
The New Pact on Migration and Asylum seeks to address these shortcomings by introducing mechanisms for fair burden-sharing and more efficient asylum procedures. Nevertheless, its success depends on the political will of member states to cooperate and uphold shared responsibilities.
Most Affected by Refugees?
Several EU countries bear a disproportionate share of the refugee burden. Germany, Spain, Italy, and France receive the highest number of asylum applications in absolute terms. However, when considering applications relative to population size, countries like Cyprus and Greece are significantly impacted.
The influx of refugees has placed considerable strain on these countries’ resources and infrastructure, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of responsibilities across the EU.
EU’s refugee crisis underscores
The EU’s refugee crisis underscores the challenges of balancing national interests with collective responsibilities. Greece’s refusal to accept the return of refugees from Germany exemplifies the tensions that arise when solidarity is lacking. To effectively address the refugee situation, the EU must reinforce its commitment to shared responsibilities, ensure the fair implementation of asylum policies, and provide adequate support to countries disproportionately affected by refugee flows.
References:
-
European Parliament. (2020). Solidarity in EU asylum policy. Retrieved
-
European Commission. (2024). Statistics on migration to Europe. Retrieved
-
Euronews. (2024). Number of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe keeps rising, data shows. Retrieved
-
AP News. (2025). Asylum cases in Europe fell 11% last year. Here’s a look at the numbers. Retrieved
-
ProtoThema English. (2025). New Voridis doctrine on illegal immigration. Retrieved
-
Shaping Europe. (2023). Burden-Sharing and Solidarity. Retrieved
-
The National Herald. (2025). EU Border Agency Checking Alleged Refugee Pushbacks in Greece. Retrieved
-
VOA News. (2019). EU Divided Again on Question of Migrant Burden-Sharing. Retrieved
