Commissioner Magnus Brunner, in a written answer on 12 June 2026, rejected suggestions that EU migration and asylum policies condone or legitimise fundamental rights abuses, responding to allegations of mercenary involvement in pushbacks at the Greek-Turkish border. The answer, to a question by Greek MEP Kostas Papadakis (NI), shifts responsibility for investigating alleged violations to national authorities while noting that Frontex staff were not involved in the cited incident.
The question, submitted on 20 April 2026, referenced a BBC report alleging that refugees and migrants were recruited as mercenaries by Greek police to abuse others in exchange for legal documents, and a Frontex report from December 2025 on a June 2023 incident. Brunner stated that investigating alleged fundamental rights violations, exploitation, and abuses is the responsibility of relevant national authorities, and that border management activities must comply with EU law and fundamental rights. He noted that the referenced report established no involvement of European Border and Coast Guard Agency staff. The Commissioner further rejected claims that the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum legitimises pushbacks, describing it as a fair and firm system that manages migration and upholds fundamental rights.
The answer contains no concrete proposals, numerical targets, or deadlines, instead offering declarative support for EU law and national responsibility. It signals no immediate institutional follow-up or investigation by the Commission, leaving enforcement to member state authorities. The response impacts stakeholders including Greek authorities, who face scrutiny over border practices; Frontex, whose role is defended; migrants and refugees at the border, who may see limited EU-level action on alleged abuses; and EU institutions, which maintain their policy framework against external criticism.