EU-Turkey Migrant Deal - March 7, 2016

On March 7, 2016, the European Union (EU) and Turkey reached a significant agreement aimed at addressing the migrant crisis that had been escalating since 2015. This deal was a pivotal moment in the EU’s efforts to manage the influx of migrants and refugees, primarily from war-torn regions such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, into Europe.

Context

• Migrant Crisis: By 2015, Europe was experiencing an unprecedented surge in migrants and refugees, with over a million people arriving by sea. The crisis was largely driven by conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly the Syrian Civil War.
• Route: Many migrants traveled through Turkey into Greece, using the Aegean Sea as a crossing point, and then moved further into Europe, seeking asylum in countries like Germany and Sweden.
• EU’s Challenge: The EU faced significant challenges in managing this influx, including humanitarian concerns, border security, and political tensions among member states.

Key Provisions of the Deal

1. Return of Migrants: Under the agreement, migrants arriving in Greece who did not apply for asylum or whose claims were rejected would be returned to Turkey.

2. One-for-One Resettlement: For every Syrian refugee returned to Turkey from Greece, another Syrian refugee would be resettled from Turkey to the EU, with a cap of 72,000 people.

3. Financial Aid: The EU agreed to provide Turkey with an initial €3 billion in aid to support the refugees within its borders, with the possibility of an additional €3 billion by the end of 2018.

4. Visa Liberalization: The EU promised to accelerate the process of visa liberalization for Turkish citizens, contingent upon Turkey meeting certain criteria.

5. EU Accession Talks: The deal also included a commitment to re-energize Turkey’s EU accession talks, which had been stalled for years.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Reduction in Arrivals: The agreement led to a significant reduction in the number of migrants arriving in Greece, as the route through the Aegean Sea became less viable.
• Criticism and Controversy: The deal faced criticism from human rights organizations, which argued that it compromised the rights of refugees and migrants. Concerns were raised about the conditions in Turkish refugee camps and the legality of mass returns.
• EU-Turkey Relations: While the deal temporarily eased the migrant crisis, it also highlighted the complex and often strained relationship between the EU and Turkey, particularly concerning human rights and democratic standards.

Broader Significance

The EU-Turkey deal of March 7, 2016, was a crucial step in the EU’s strategy to manage the migrant crisis. It underscored the challenges of balancing humanitarian responsibilities with political and security concerns. The agreement also illustrated the EU’s reliance on external partners to address migration issues, setting a precedent for future negotiations and collaborations.