European asylum law no longer credible

Leading with the headline "EU label still does not guarantee rule of law," Süddeutsche Zeitung reports on a decision of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany, which opposed the deportation of an Iraqi asylum seeker to Greece on 9 September. According to the Dublin II Regulation, the country where a migrant first arrives in the European Union is responsible for his or her application for asylum. However, Greece, like other states on the borders of the Union, has been overwhelmed by refugees. "The scandalous treatment that Athens inflicts on refugees has been well documented," notes the Munich daily, which adds that "the court is right to block irresponsible deportations" to "so-called safe countries." If the decision sets a precedent, "Germany will have to deal with an upsurge in the number of asylum seekers," as did the Scandinavian countries. "With the help of this unexpected turn of events [… ], countries on the Union's southern borders may obtain satisfaction for their long-standing demand for more solidarity within Europe." At the same time, SZ accuses Athens of coercion: "Greece has instrumentalized its strict and negligent policy towards refugees to impose its wishes on the rest of Europe. It is distressing, but we cannot follow its example and punish refugees."