Five weeks after the implementation of the new CEAS framework, Equal Rights Beyond Borders has documented significant shortcomings in both the border procedure on the Greek islands and the screening procedure at Malakasa Reception and Identification Centre.
On Kos, Leros and Chios, authorities were not operationally prepared when the new rules entered into force. Standard forms and case-management systems required for screening were initially unavailable, and none of the cases monitored by Equal Rights completed screening within the seven-day statutory timeframe. Hundreds of people have instead remained in de facto detention for prolonged periods without having been notified of a formal decision restricting their liberty. Access to legal assistance has also been severely limited, with the new free legal aid system failing to operate as intended.
At Malakasa Reception and Identification Centre, where screening is currently carried out for new arrivals in the Athens region, Equal Rights has documented similar delays. In all observed cases, screening exceeded the legal timeframe, while many people remained under restriction of liberty for several weeks despite the legal basis for these measures remaining unclear. People also reported receiving little information about the procedures they were undergoing, including those seeking family reunification with relatives in Germany. The briefing further documents concerns regarding accommodation conditions, the situation of children, and barriers preventing lawyers from effectively accessing and representing their clients.
Taken together, the two monitoring briefings suggest that the early implementation of the new CEAS framework is falling short of the procedural safeguards required by law. Equal Rights Beyond Borders will continue to monitor implementation across Greece and publish further findings as they become available.
Read the full monitoring briefings: