The reality of the EU-Turkey statement: How Greece has become a testing ground for policies that erode protection for refugees

This brief outlines three areas which illustrate how Greece has become a testing ground for policies that are eroding international protection standards:

i. The growing difficulty in seeking international protection and the diminishing access to fair and efficient asylum procedures;

ii. A convoluted and constantly changing process that lacks oversight, checks and balances; and

iii. The increasing vulnerability among those stranded in Greece. Beyond the deeply concerning situation in Greece, the EU is looking to replicate the EU-Turkey Statement model elsewhere, and in so doing, risks setting a dangerous precedent for the rest of the world. The EU has a proud history of commitment to international law and human rights which has driven its policies for 60 years. Now is the time for Europe to show global leadership on migration by adopting policies that uphold these values, rather than triggering a race to the bottom.