Criticism from Greece: Germany's Role in Migration Challenges

The ongoing migration crisis in Germany has drawn sharp critique from Greece, which describes the situation as largely self-inflicted. A confidential document from the Greek government, entitled "Coalition Agreement of the Governing Parties - Germany as a Pull Factor," outlines significant concerns regarding Germany's asylum policies.

Germany is no longer the primary destination for asylum seekers within the European Union, a shift that has raised eyebrows in Athens. The document, which has been obtained by media sources, identifies Germany as a significant draw for illegal migration to Europe.

Key points highlighted in the Greek analysis include:

• The current coalition government in Germany quickly agreed upon taking office in late 2021 that migration is a normal occurrence, indicating there was no cause for alarm.
• In November 2022, the German Interior Minister emphasized that she did not perceive a major migration crisis, asserting the country would continue to welcome numerous nationalities.

The Greek document further notes that the coalition promised to end the suffering of people at the European external borders and mandated the evaluation of asylum applications for all individuals arriving in the EU. It also called for modifications to Frontex's mandate to allow the agency to operate as a rescue service.

Among the factors contributing to Germany's reputation as a migration magnet, Greece pointed out:

• The elimination of restrictions on family reunification led to a substantial increase in family visas, with 131,000 issued in 2023 and 64,000 in the first half of 2024.
• Automatic residency permits granted to those who arrived in Germany in 2015 and 2016 allow recipients to reunite with their families after four to six years.
• Additionally, the expedited pathway to citizenship under the current government has resulted in a record number of naturalizations, with 200,100 new citizens in 2023 compared to 68,500 in 2022.

A senior Greek government official, who requested anonymity, expressed that Germany tends to attribute the blame for illegal migration to external factors rather than acknowledging its own role in the situation.

Greece is now awaiting the outcomes of ongoing coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD to ascertain whether Germany genuinely intends to reduce its attractiveness as a pull factor for migrants.

This confidential document was prepared by Sofia Voultepsi, a former Vice Minister for Migration, for Magnus Brunner, the new EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, during his visit to Greece earlier this year.