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Spain Installs Floating Barrier After Deadly Ceuta Border Rush

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Spain has begun installing a 500-metre floating barrier along the coast of its North African enclave of Ceuta after migrant crossings fell to nearly zero overnight. The move follows a massive border rush in which around 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, with authorities saying more than 48,000 were returned within 48 hours.

The incident claimed at least 67 lives, with many migrants drowning or being crushed while attempting to cross the border. Spanish officials blamed human-smuggling networks for spreading misinformation and exploiting vulnerable migrants. The government said additional police and military forces will remain deployed while border security measures continue.

The crisis has sparked concern across Europe, prompting 22 EU member states to call for an emergency meeting on border security. Spain has urged a coordinated European response while reaffirming that Morocco remains a key partner in managing migration and maintaining the security of the EU’s external border.

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Jolie, Blanchett Urge Stronger Refugee Protections

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Actors Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett, along with Archbishop Sarah Mullally and other public figures, have called on governments to uphold refugee protections as the 1951 UN Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary. The appeal comes as the United Nations warns that growing restrictions on asylum systems are putting vulnerable people at greater risk despite continued public support for offering safe refuge.

The UN refugee agency released a statement titled “The Promise”, signed by celebrities, athletes, business leaders and faith leaders, reaffirming support for the convention. UN High Commissioner Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president and refugee, said the agreement has saved millions of lives and urged nations to honour the commitment made to protect people forced to flee conflict and persecution.

The call comes amid increasing global displacement, tighter border controls in several countries, and financial challenges facing the UN refugee agency after major donor cuts. Rights groups have also expressed concern over stricter asylum policies in parts of Europe and the United States, warning they could weaken long-standing international refugee protections.

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Europe’s Refugee Population Stabilises After Years of Rapid Growth

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Europe’s refugee and asylum-seeker population remained largely unchanged in 2025, marking the end of more than a decade of steady growth, according to a new migration report. The total number of refugees and asylum seekers across the European Union and Britain stood at 9.59 million, nearly identical to the 9.58 million recorded in 2024.

The report highlighted a continued decline in asylum applications, which dropped to 770,000 in 2025 from 1.01 million in 2024 and 1.1 million in 2023. Researchers said the slowdown signals the end of the rapid increases seen in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While Germany and Italy recorded declines in refugee and asylum-seeker populations, France, Spain and Britain saw increases. The report also noted a sharp fall in asylum applications from Syrians after the collapse of the Assad regime, while applications from Venezuelans rose significantly. Ukrainians continue to make up nearly half of all refugees and asylum seekers in the EU and Britain.

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Germany Grants Record Citizenship as Syrians Remain Largest Group

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Germany granted citizenship to a record 332,500 people in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. Syrians remained the largest group of new citizens for the fifth consecutive year, accounting for one in every five naturalisations, although the number of Syrians receiving citizenship declined compared to 2024.

The rise in naturalisations was largely driven by reforms introduced in June 2024, which reduced the residency requirement for citizenship from eight years to five and allowed dual citizenship. Many Syrians who arrived during the refugee influx of 2015 and 2016 became eligible under the revised rules.

After Syrians, the largest groups gaining German citizenship were Turkish and Russian nationals. Significant increases were also recorded among citizens from Bosnia, the United States, and Albania. Additionally, Germany saw a sharp rise in citizenship restorations for individuals and descendants of those stripped of their nationality under Nazi rule, reflecting continued efforts to address historical injustices.

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EU Agrees New Rules Allowing Deportation of Rejected Migrants to Centres Outside the Bloc

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The European Union has reached a political agreement on new migration rules that would allow member states to send rejected asylum seekers and visa overstayers to “return hubs” located outside the EU. The proposal, aimed at improving deportation enforcement, comes as European governments face growing political pressure to curb irregular migration despite a decline in arrivals over the past year.

Under the new framework, authorities would gain expanded powers, including longer detention periods, the collection of biometric data, searches of premises, and penalties for migrants who do not cooperate with deportation procedures. EU officials argue the measures are necessary because only a small percentage of people ordered to leave the bloc currently do so.

Human rights organizations and opposition lawmakers have strongly criticized the plan, warning it could lead to abuses and undermine migrant rights. Critics say the rules resemble aggressive immigration enforcement practices seen elsewhere and could increase detentions, home searches, and transfers to third countries with limited safeguards. The legislation still requires formal approval from EU governments and the European Parliament.

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24 Aid Workers on Trial in Greece for Alleged Migrant Smuggling

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Two dozen aid workers went on trial in Greece on Thursday, accused of migrant smuggling and money laundering, in a case that human rights groups have condemned as an attempt to criminalize humanitarian aid. The defendants, linked to the Emergency Response Center International (ERCI), operated on Lesbos between 2016 and 2018, rescuing refugees crossing the Aegean Sea. Among those on trial are Syrian refugee Sarah Mardini, whose 2015 rescue efforts inspired the Netflix film The Swimmers, and German volunteer Sean Binder.

The trial comes amid tightened migration rules in Greece and across the EU, as right-wing parties gain influence. Greece has reinforced border controls since 2019 and temporarily suspended processing asylum applications for some arrivals. Under a 2021 law, aiding migrants may now be treated as facilitating illegal entry or participating in a criminal enterprise, putting volunteers like those at ERCI at legal risk.

Human rights organizations have criticized the trial, calling it baseless and lacking evidence. Human Rights Watch stated that saving lives at sea has been mischaracterized as smuggling, and that the group’s legitimate fundraising has been unfairly labeled as money laundering. Defense lawyers argue that the verdict will determine whether humanitarian aid is judicially protected or left vulnerable to arbitrary prosecution.

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‘Vast number’ of abuse reports on EU border, agency says

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The EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) is urging more thorough investigations into alleged human rights violations against migrants and refugees by authorities at the EU’s borders, including areas in the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the English Channel. In a recent report, FRA highlighted the concerning lack of investigations despite numerous credible reports of loss of life and mistreatment along the EU’s land and sea borders.

The agency pointed out that allegations of severe human rights abuses include physical violence, neglect in rescuing individuals in distress, and forced family separations. FRA noted that victims often do not report these incidents to law enforcement due to their vulnerable circumstances.

In France, a civil society organization indicated that only one out of ten cases reported to them in Calais resulted in a formal complaint. Lawyers and civil society groups have stated that victims may hesitate to file complaints due to a lack of trust in the authorities or fear of repercussions on their asylum applications. Additionally, smugglers sometimes advise against reporting such incidents.

An example illustrating the difficulties faced by investigators occurred in October 2022 when French police apprehended an unaccompanied child hiding in a truck bound for the United Kingdom. The child was later found unconscious with a fractured skull by volunteers, who reported the incident to the public prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer. However, when investigators attempted to reach the child a month later, he had already left for the UK and could not be located.

The report centers on border management and does not address asylum-related administrative procedures. FRA expressed concern that the limited number of investigations into these cases reflects poorly on the operations of border management authorities. The agency also noted that even when incidents are looked into, very few result in national court convictions, creating a prevailing sense of impunity.

FRA’s Director, Sirpa Rautio, emphasized that Europe has a “duty” to treat all individuals at its borders “fairly, respectfully, and in full compliance with human rights law.” She called for the implementation of “effective and rights-compliant border management practices” and thorough investigations into all reported instances of rights abuses.

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Dublin asylum seekers moved from Mount Street tents

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Asylum seekers who had been living in tents in central Dublin have been relocated to two designated accommodation sites by the Irish government. The makeshift campsite outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street had been in place for several months before authorities undertook a joint agency operation to ensure the safe movement of the asylum seekers to Citywest and Crooksling tented accommodations in County Dublin.

The government emphasized that the new sites offer robust, weather-proof tents with adequate facilities such as showers, toilets, indoor areas for food provision, charging stations, and 24-hour security. Despite initial reluctance from some asylum seekers regarding the suitability of the Crooksling site, authorities assured that it meets their needs and provides similar support as other locations.

Dublin City Council cleaned the streets following the relocation operation. Noel Wardick, CEO of Dublin City Co-operative, described the previous conditions on Mount Street as “absolutely appalling” and criticized the lack of political will to address asylum seekers’ accommodation issues. He emphasized the necessity for the state to fulfill its legal obligation to provide proper accommodation to prevent similar situations in the future.

The relocation process involved clearing the tents from Mount Street, with Dublin City Council workers restoring the area while asylum seekers were transported to Crooksling. This was the second attempt in recent months to find alternative accommodation for those living on Mount Street.

In response to concerns about the UK’s deportation plan to Rwanda potentially increasing refugee numbers in Ireland, the government approved drafting new legislation to designate the UK as a “safe country” for asylum seekers. This move follows assertions by Justice Minister Helen McEntee regarding the high percentage of recent asylum claims from individuals entering via Northern Ireland.

Currently, over 1,400 asylum applicants in Ireland lack accommodation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by refugees. One asylum seeker from India, who arrived in Ireland via Northern Ireland, explained his departure from the UK due to post-Brexit immigration rules.

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Norway’s King Harald to scale back official duties

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Norway’s King Harald, one of Europe’s longest-reigning monarchs, has decided to reduce his participation in official duties due to his age and recent health issues. At 88 years old, the king has faced illness, including a recent hospitalization in Malaysia where he received treatment for an infection and a pacemaker for a low heart rate. His absence from public appearances has been filled by his son, Crown Prince Haakon.

The royal household announced that King Harald will permanently reduce his public engagements, with adjustments made to his official activities. Despite facing health challenges, King Harald has adamantly stated his commitment to remain in his role until the end, as he views his oath as a lifelong commitment. Despite his health concerns, King Harald remains highly esteemed by Norwegians, with a majority expressing support for him to continue as monarch rather than abdicate in favor of his son, Crown Prince Haakon.

Throughout his reign, King Harald has been known for his progressive stance on various issues, including LGBT equality and refugee rights. In a notable speech in 2016, he expressed solidarity with diverse communities in Norway, emphasizing inclusivity and acceptance.

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German vice-chancellor Habeck hits out against rising antisemitism

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German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has pledged a strong political response to the rise of antisemitism in the country. He addressed various sources of antisemitism, including Islamists, the far right, and segments of the political left, in a widely viewed video that garnered significant attention in Germany.

Antisemitic incidents in Germany have surged in the aftermath of the 7th of October attacks in Israel, during which Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis and took more than 230 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas, resulting in significant casualties.

Habeck’s video emphasized the need to protect Jewish communities and condemned actions such as burning the Israeli flag or supporting Hamas, which are considered crimes under German law. He called for legal consequences, including possible deportation, for those involved in such activities.

While some praised Habeck’s address as a comprehensive assessment of the situation, others criticized him for suggesting that Muslim migrants and refugees were responsible for bringing antisemitism into Europe.

Germany’s Interior Minister announced a ban on all activities linked to Hamas and a pro-Palestinian network called Samidoun, citing their anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda. The move was intended to facilitate interventions in gatherings of their supporters.

Antisemitic incidents have increased by 240% in Germany since the Hamas attacks, with reports of vandalism and attacks on Jewish-owned properties. Similar incidents have also been reported in neighboring Austria.

In France, a Moldovan couple was detained for spray-painting Stars of David on walls in Paris. They claimed to have acted on behalf of a third party and are now facing expulsion. Prosecutors are investigating whether the tags were intended as an insult to the Jewish community.

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