Conditions for applying the EU-Turkey Agreement and support for refugees

22.3.2016

Question for written answer E-002419-16
to the Council
Rule 130
João Ferreira (GUE/NGL)

Hundreds of people have arrived in the Greek islands since the EU declared the entry into force of the agreement with Turkey for the expulsion of migrants and refugees. Four people have died crossing the Aegean Sea crossing, including two children.

According to initial statements from senior EU officials (such as this Commission document[1]) , all asylum applications will be processed ‘in an expedited fashion’ with a view to the immediate return to Turkey of applicants whose claims are declared inadmissible.

1. Does the Council know what resources are available on the ground to ensure that all asylum-seekers are provided with legal information and made aware of the possibilities of appeal open to them, given the complete absence of legal support provided to refugees in ‘hotspots’ thus far?

2. What special measures will be taken to cater for vulnerable people (let us not forget that some 40% of the refugees arriving in the EU are children)?

3. Can the Council explain why no mention is made of the issue of ‘protection in Turkey’, other than that it will be assessed, and why it is no longer being said that legislative changes are required prior to the entry into force of the agreement for it to cease being illegal?

• [1] http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-963_en.htm