EU to take in 40,000 asylum-seekers from Italy and Greece

On Thursday, European Union leaders are expected to officially agree to take in 40,000 asylum-seekers from the growing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, according to a draft final summit statement. However, while the EU has agreed to take in people coming to the continent from Libya, the Balkans, and the Middle East, they have yet to decide how exactly they will spread the 40,000 people among EU member countries. Initially, EU leaders had planned to create a system of quotas that would ensure each of the 28 countries in the EU took on an equitable share of the displaced migrant group. This proposal was shot down by leaders at a recent Brussels summit, however, and EU countries can now participate on a voluntary basis.
Mostly, EU leaders are focusing on discouraging illegal immigration and only guaranteeing the stay of legitimate asylum seekers. At this point in time both Italy and Greece are inundated with asylum-seekers, with 24,000 in Italy and another 16,000 in Greece. While efforts to alleviate the burden somewhat from these two countries will help, it won't make much of a dent in the EU's overall numbers. The Guardian reports that last year more than 600,000 people sought asylum in the EU, and this year that number is expected to be even higher.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellation
Cartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop scene
In the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Trump executive order targets homeless
Speed Read It will now be easier for states and cities to remove homeless people from the streets
-
Columbia pays $200M to settle with White House
Speed Read The Trump administration accused the school of failing to protect its Jewish students amid pro-Palestinian protests
-
Florida judge and DOJ make Epstein trouble for Trump
Speed Read The Trump administration's request to release grand jury transcripts from the Epstein investigation was denied
-
Trump attacks Obama as Epstein furor mounts
Speed Read The Trump administration accused the Obama administration of 'treasonous' behavior during the 2016 election
-
Trump administration releases MLK files
Speed Read Newly released documents on the 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not hold any new revelations, King historians said
-
Japan's prime minister feels pressure after election losses
Speed Read Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office
-
President diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
Speed Read The vein disorder has given Trump swollen ankles and visible bruising on his hands
-
'Bawdy' Trump letter supercharges Epstein scandal
Speed Read The Wall Street Journal published details of Trump's alleged birthday letter to Epstein