German tabloid Bild reports on the existence of Plan B to deal with the refugee crisis should the deal between Turkey and the European Union fall through. The alternative plan examines the restriction of migrant flows without the participation of Turkey. A “European minister” talking on the condition of anonymity said that failure by Turkey to adopt the plan could result in refugees seeking asylum to be held at Greek island hotspots so that the burden can be shifted from the mainland, whereas those not entitled to seek asylum would be deported back to their countries.
Concern that Turkey would not adhere to its end of the bargain to curtail the flow of refugees was fueled by the resignation of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Thursday morning when he announced that he’d be leaving his job on May 22. German daily newspaper Die Welte reports that Davutoglu had continued communication with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
On Friday morning, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Turkey would not narrow its application of antiterrorism laws to bring them in line with European Union standards, one of the conditions that would allow Turks visa-free travel to Europe. This statement caused European leaders to question their reliance on the authoritarian leader anew.
The 6 billion euros of aid to deal with the refugee crisis that is currently benchmarked for Turkey would go to Greece.
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