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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...
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EU Faces Crucial Choice: Swift U.S. Trade Deal or Strategic Patience

European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels today to determine whether to accept a fast-tracked trade agreement with the United States—despite its tough terms—or hold out for a more balanced deal, even at the risk of escalating tensions.

With a July 9 deadline set by President Donald Trump, the pressure is mounting. The U.S. currently imposes a 10% tariff on most EU goods, with even steeper rates—up to 50%—on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. EU officials fear these could rise further if no agreement is reached.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced strong support for a quick resolution, emphasizing the need to avoid a deeper trade conflict. “It is in everyone’s interest that the trade conflict with the United States does not escalate further,” Merz told parliament.

The European Commission has proposed eliminating tariffs on industrial goods and increasing EU imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas and soybeans. However, Washington has shown little interest in these terms, focusing instead on regulatory issues the EU is reluctant to change.

Some EU countries are prepared to accept the 10% baseline tariff to protect their industries, while others advocate for retaliatory measures. The bloc has already approved tariffs on €21 billion worth of U.S. goods and is debating further actions targeting up to €95 billion more.

As leaders weigh their options, the outcome of this summit could shape transatlantic trade relations for years to come.

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