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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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NATO Commits to Historic Defence Spending Hike Amid Trump’s Reassurances

At the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, member nations agreed to a sweeping increase in defence spending, endorsing a new target of 5% of GDP—a dramatic leap from the previous 2% benchmark. The move comes amid growing security concerns in Europe and persistent pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long criticized allies for underinvesting in collective defence.

Trump struck a notably reassuring tone at the summit, affirming the United States’ commitment to NATO’s mutual defence clause, Article 5. “We’re with them all the way,” he said, addressing concerns sparked by his earlier remarks suggesting there were “numerous definitions” of the clause.

The new spending framework divides the 5% target into 3.5% for core defence—such as troops and weapons—and 1.5% for broader security measures like cyber defence and infrastructure upgrades. While all NATO members backed the statement, Spain voiced reservations about meeting the full target, prompting a diplomatic compromise to maintain unity.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the urgency of the shift, citing threats from Russia and global instability. “There is absolute conviction… that, given this threat from the Russians, given the international security situation, there is no alternative,” he stated.

The summit also saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet separately with Trump, underscoring NATO’s continued support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

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