In a written answer on 29 June 2026, Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner, on behalf of the European Commission, defended existing EU legislation on migrant smuggling while acknowledging concerns raised by MEPs about recent amendments to the Greek Migration Code that criminalise NGO activities. The answer, responding to a parliamentary question submitted on 30 April 2026 by MEPs Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), and Estrella Galán (The Left), reiterated that EU law targets smugglers acting for financial or material benefit, not humanitarian assistance. The Commission noted that in its 2025 Rule of Law Report for Greece, it recommended maintaining an open framework for civil society organisations and strengthening dialogue with them. It also pointed to the first-ever EU Strategy for Civil Society, adopted in November 2025, which aims to ensure a safe and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders. On the use of the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) against NGO workers, the Commission stated that EAW decisions are taken by judicial authorities and must remain free from political interference, but that those authorities remain bound by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The answer did not announce any concrete enforcement steps or legal action against Greece, instead emphasising existing frameworks and general principles. The response signals a cautious approach, balancing respect for member state judicial independence with the Commission's role as guardian of the treaties. Institutional follow-up is likely to focus on monitoring the situation through the annual Rule of Law cycle and possibly issuing further guidance, but no immediate legislative or infringement procedure was signalled.
Source✉ Open answer ↗
Asked byTineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE) +2 more · answered by Magnus Brunner