The EU-Turkey Statement of 18 March has had significant repercussions for Greece, an already overburdened and capacity-lacking member state. The implementation of the Statement resulted in delays in both asylum processing and returns to Turkey.The paper looks at the core of the Statement, the notion of “safe third country” but also protection and the challenge of implementation. The paper further discusses the legal changes and practical challenges of implementing the Statement not only about asylum but also reception capacity and standards.
